Question 1

Is the Windows download safe? Is it “clean / green” software?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that is the point of the portable build. PixWipe.exe is a single file around 4.8 MB. There is no installer, no adware, no bundled toolbar, and no leftover service. It does not need administrator rights. Settings, if any, live in %LOCALAPPDATA%\PixWipe. We publish a SHA-256 checksum so you can verify the file before you run it.

Question 2

Which Windows versions are supported?

Accepted Answer

Windows 10 version 1809 or later, and Windows 11, 64-bit. It is a native Win32 program, not a Store app and not a browser wrapper. Older Windows 7 / 8 builds are not supported.

Question 3

Are my photos or documents uploaded?

Accepted Answer

No. PixWipe reads files in your browser or the Windows app. There is no upload API. You can confirm it in DevTools → Network while a file is processed, and the desktop app does not phone home.

Question 4

Does wiping EXIF reduce image quality?

Accepted Answer

Not for JPEG, PNG, or WebP. Those formats are cleaned at the byte/chunk level, so the compressed pixels stay identical. HEIC and a few uncommon formats must be re-encoded because browsers cannot write those containers. The Windows app uses Windows Imaging for HEIC.

Question 5

Can I convert WebP without CloudConvert or Convertio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Windows app and the browser tool decode WebP on this device. JPG flattens on white. PNG keeps transparency. There is no daily file cap and no account.

Question 6

Does Windows already remove PDF authors?

Accepted Answer

File Explorer “Remove Properties” does not reliably clear PDF Info or XMP. Acrobat Sanitize does, but it is paid and heavy. PixWipe inspects Author, Creator, and Producer, then blanks those strings. It does not claim a full Acrobat sanitize — annotations and attachments stay.

Question 7

Why are my Google Takeout photos dated today?

Accepted Answer

Takeout writes the download time onto the file. The real capture time lives in a JSON sidecar. Since 2024 Google also truncates `.supplemental-metadata.json` to 51 characters. PixWipe follows that rule, including `(N)` duplicates, and sets Windows file times. GPS restore is off unless you turn it on.

Question 8

Why do I still need this if Instagram strips EXIF?

Accepted Answer

Social networks strip metadata after the file reaches their servers. Email, iMessage original quality, WhatsApp documents, real-estate listings, freelance portfolios, and many portals keep GPS intact. Wipe first, then share.

Question 9

Windows says “Windows protected your PC.” Is that a virus?

Accepted Answer

No. SmartScreen is a reputation check for new unsigned software, not a malware finding. Choose More info → Run anyway. Compare the SHA-256 if you want a second check. A code-signing certificate removes the prompt; we can add one after the first release.

Question 10

Is PixWipe really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The website tools and the Windows app are free, with no account, watermark, or daily file cap. We keep the product small on purpose.

Question 11

What does the Windows app add over the browser tools?

Accepted Answer

A native Win32 program — standard Windows light UI, live preview, GPS inspector, folder drop, PDF/Office wipe, and Takeout date repair. No browser is launched. The portable EXE needs no admin rights and works on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Product	Local	Sidecar	GPS	Account
PixWipe	Always	51-char + (N)	Off by default	None
Metadata Fixer	Always	Legacy names	Often on	Paid
Photo Date Rescue	Always	Legacy names	Optional	Paid
gpth / GPTH Neo	Always	CLI, 2024 aware	Optional	None
ExifTool scripts	Always	You write the rule	Your call	None

Put the real date back on Takeout photos.

The five tools people already use

Windows file times need the EXE

The 51-character trap

Same wipe, on Windows 10 and 11