Remove metadata and tracked changes from Word documents
See exactly what hidden information your document is carrying — author names, tracked changes, comments, revision history — then download a clean copy. Nothing is uploaded.
How do you remove hidden metadata from a Word document?
To remove hidden metadata from a Word document you have to strip it at the file level, not just accept the tracked changes. A .docx is a ZIP of XML that retains author name, company name, comments, revision identifiers and text you deleted even after Accept All. StaysPrivate opens the file in your browser, lists exactly what it found, and returns a cleaned copy with metadata cleared, comments removed and tracked changes resolved. Works on .docx, .xlsx and .pptx, and the document never leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
What hidden information do Word files contain?
Author and last-modified-by names, your company name, the time you last printed it, comments, tracked changes (including deleted text you thought was gone), revision identifiers that link versions together, and sometimes printer paths. All of it travels with the file when you email it.
Why does accepting tracked changes not remove them?
Accepting changes updates what you see, but earlier revision data and author names can remain inside the file’s XML — recoverable by anyone who unzips the document. This tool removes them at the file level.
Are my documents uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything happens in your browser on your own device — important, since this tool exists precisely for confidential documents like contracts, filings and client work.
Which file types are supported?
Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx) and PowerPoint (.pptx). The older .doc/.xls/.ppt formats are not supported — open them in Office and save as the modern format first.
Will it change how my document looks?
No. Tracked insertions are accepted and deletions dropped (the same result as Accept All), comments are removed, and metadata is cleared. The visible content and formatting stay as they are.
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