TakeoutFixer - Timestamp Pro 2.0 Documentation
Installation, Usage, and Frequently Asked Questions
February 2026 version of TakeoutFixer updates media timestamp, location, and device information. September 2025 release updated only timestamp.
In September 2025 version, processing time was slightly less as to compared to February 2026 release.Yes, February 2026 version takes 5% to 10% more time as compared to September 2025 version. In February 2026 version, we are updating three fileds (timestamp, location, and device information) as compared to one field in the earlier version. Additionally, we have also introduced a number of other post processing checks to further enhance reliability of TakeoutFixer.
How much processing time can I expect?Processing time depends on processor, RAM, type of disk (SSD vs HDD), and number of media files. Since we copy files to processed and error directories rather than overwiring the original folders and files, size of files may also impact the processing time. Progress bar gives you indication on total time the process may take.
After a certain interval, progress bar seems to stop for sometime and then moves forward. Why is it so?This is normal behaviour as application processes files in smaller batches.
Are installation and user manual different in this version?The core installation process and user manual remain the same. There are slight variation in the actual main application screen and screen shots as we added a few features.
When you download your library from Google Takeout, the file dates, location, device information, and other metadata are reset. However, the original, correct "Date Taken", "location", "device", and other information is preserved in a separate `.json` file for each photo. Our application automates the process of reading this data and updating the file's metadata, putting your memories back in the correct chronological order.
Your original folders and media files are not touched.A seperate "Processed_Files" folder is created where all processed files with updated timestamp metadata are stored. Likewise "Error_Files" folder has a csv list of all files that could not be processed with reason and the media files that could not be processed.
Before Processing
Note the incorrect file date.
json file
Note the json file "PhotoTakenTime".
After processing files through TakeoutFixer application.
After Processing-1
Note the corrected file date, details tab.
After Processing-2
Note the corrected file date, general tab.
- Download the installation file from the Microsoft download page or directly go to "View in Store" page.
- Install the `TakeoutFixer Installer.exe` on your computer. It will take you to Microsoft App Store page. Press "Get". Installation will begin. Wait till it is installed.
- Start the application after installation my typing "takeoutFixer" in "Start" menu in the Taskbar. It may take a couple of seconds to launch.
- Once the `.exe` is in the correct folder, simply double-click it to run.
- Press "Browse Folder.." button and select the directory where unzipped files are stored.
- Press "Start Processing" button.
- Step-1 will show the progress as it scans your .json files.
- Once .json files are processed, Step-2 progress will be shown as it scans your photo folders and fixes the timestamps.
- The application will process all subdirectories automatically.
- When it is finished, you will see a "Process complete!" message.
- Your original files are not touched but processed files are stored in seperate folders
- On clicking "Open Processed folder" and "Open Error Folder" will take you to the appropriate folders
- Your photo and video files will now have the correct "Date Taken" metadata.
- Note: There may be slight variation in actual TakeoutFixer application screen and the screenshots above.
Q: Does TakeoutFixer for timestamp cost anything?
A: No, it is free for personal use. As I was bulding it for my personal use, I thought of sharing it with wider community. It was developed out of own requirement and sharing it is fun. Please get in touch in case you would like to use it for any other purpose than personal use. Please read "Terms and conditions section".
Q: Will TakeoutFixer for timestamp be free for ever?
A: Yes, unless the infrastructure cost becomes high beyond a point. In that case we shall get back to you
Q: Does it not cost you anything to host and for infrastructure?
A: Yes, it does cost us to host, to sign executable, procure domain, and for a few others. For now we are giving back to the community as we are also using community tools.
Q: I like the software as it solved my nagging problem. I would like to contribute towards your hosting and infrastcrure cost. How can I do it?
A: Thanks a lot for your kind gesture. Please provide us the feedback and we shall make provision for such a kind gestures in our newer version with payment gateway integration.
Q: Does this modify my original files?
A: No, it does not directly modify the metadata of your original photo and video files. It copies the media files in separate folders and changes are stored in "Processed_Files..." and "error_files.." folders.
Q: Is it safe? Does it upload my photos and videos anywhere?
A: The application processing is 100% offline. The TakeoutFixer software application that you download operates entirely offline on your computer. It does not collect or transmit any of your personal data, photos, videos, or any other media over the internet. The application may connect to the internet only if you click on informational links within its user interface (such as "About" or "Terms" or "Documentation") that direct you back to the TakeoutFixer.com website.
Q: Why does application take a few seconds to launch?
A: Since the file size is big, Windows may take a couple of seconds to launch. This is normal.
Q: Why does Windows show a warning when I run it?
A: This may happen, because of antivirus software etc, even though the application is published on Microsoft Store after certification. If you see a warning, please provide us feedback listing Windows version and Antivirus you use. We shall try to fix it.
Q: What is the error_log.xlsx file in the "error_files_..."" folder?
A: This is a simple spreadsheet that provides details on exactly why a specific file could not be processed. This is helpful for troubleshooting.
Q: I see "processed_files" and "error_files" folders with date etc. as suffix?
A: Yes. The application always creates a new, unique "processed_files" and "error_files.." folder with a timestamp in the name, so it will never overwrite your previous results.
Q: Can I run the application on the same folder twice?
A: Yes. Please see response to a similar question above.
Q: How long will it take to process my files (processing time)?
A: We have tested it on Windows 10 and Windows 11 system with SSD for 15,000 and 30,000 media files respectively. It took 10 to 15 minutes. Based on your system configuration and if you use HDD or SSD the processing time may vary.
Q: "Step-1: Indexing Files" runs fast. But "Step-2: Applying Timestamps + location + Device Information" progress bar does not run consistently. Why is it so?
A: "Step-2: Applying Timestamps + location + device information", applies these data and copies media files to "processed_files.." and "error_files" folders. Large video files may take longer than jpg or other photo files. Hence the variation in progress bar movement during run time. This is normal behaviour of the application.
Q: I noticed that number of .json files shown during the process are more most of the time than the media files shown. Why is it so?
A: "This is normal as Google Photos create, at times, create additional .json files if you edit and save media files in Google Photos.
Q: Will there be a new version of TakeoutFixer after February 2026?
A: We may publish newer versions in case we make changes. Information will be made available on the website and on MS Store.
Q: I noticed that my media associated json file does not have device information but the media file has it. Will my media file get blank device information?
A: No. Takeoutfixer is an intelligent system. It checks if the media file has device information and json file does not, it retains the media file information. The device information does not get lost.
Q: TakeoutFixer tool has been very helpful for me. I see that it is free of cost. How can I contribute as a goodwill geture to maintain this tool?
A: Thanks a lot for your appreciation. You may please Buy us a coffee ☕.