How to Remove MetaData From Word/Excel/Powerpoint

When you create a Document in Word, Excel and Powerpoint it contains hidden information that you may not want to share with other when sending a file. The information that is hidden is called Metadata, It includes information like the Authors name, Date it was created, and when and what you edited. If you would like to remove this data there is few easy steps that you can do.

First, What is Metadata

MetaData is background information that is stored on most documents and pictures. Like said before they store Authors name, Data it was created, date last saved, and what and when something was edited. With Excel, Word and Microsoft they can also include information about any embedded images, fonts and other objects thats included in the document.

The reason Metadata is included is because its helpful for tracking changes and understanding the history of a document. But at certain time when you are sending the document to certain people their can be information in their you might not want to share and you deem private. So its important to remove Metadata from Word, Excel and Powerpoint when this is the case. If you have sent a document to a shady location heres where the metadata can go if it gets into the wrong hands.

How to Remove Metadata from Word

If you’re using Microsoft Word, you can easily remove metadata by following these steps:

1. Open the Word document you want to remove metadata from.
2. Click on the File tab at the top left of the screen.
3. Click on “Info”, then select “Check for Issues”.
4. Click on “Inspect Document”.
5. Select the checkboxes for the types of content you want to check for metadata.
6. Click on “Inspect”.
7. Review the results and click “Remove All” to remove the metadata.
8. Save the document.

How to Remove Metadata from Excel

If you’re using Microsoft Excel, you can remove metadata by following these steps:

1. Open the Excel spreadsheet you want to remove metadata from.
2. Click on the File tab at the top left of the screen.
3. Click on “Info”, then select Check for Issues.
4. Click on “Inspect Workbook”.
5. Select the checkboxes for the types of content you want to check for metadata.
6. Click on “Inspect”.
7. Review the results and click “Remove All” to remove the metadata.
8. Save the spreadsheet.

How to Remove Metadata from PowerPoint

If you’re using Microsoft PowerPoint, you can remove metadata by following these steps:

1. Open the PowerPoint presentation you want to remove metadata from.
2. Click on the File tab at the top left of the screen.
3. Click on “Info”, then select Check for Issues.
4. Click on “Inspect Presentation”.
5. Select the checkboxes for the types of content you want to check for metadata.
6. Click on “Inspect”.
7. Review the results and click “Remove All” to remove the metadata.
8. Save the presentation.

Its essential to remove data when it is not useful because this data can be used maliciously in the future even if the location is trusted.

In addition to removing metadata, you can also take other steps to protect your personal data when sharing documents. For example, you can use password protection, restrict access to certain users, and use secure file sharing platforms to ensure that your files are only seen by those who need to see them.