Microsoft Teams: Automatic removal of EXIF data from shared images

Introduction

Microsoft Teams will soon automatically remove hidden metadata (EXIF) from images shared in chats and channels. This helps protect sensitive details such as photo location and device information from being shared without user awareness, improving privacy and security.

This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop, Teams for Mac desktop, and Teams for the web and is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 542795.

When this will happen:

• Targeted Release: Rollout begins in late January 2026 and completes by early February 2026.
• Worldwide and GCC: Rollout begins in mid-February 2026 and completes by early March 2026.
• GCC High: Rollout begins in late February 2026 and completes by mid-March 2026.
• DoD: Rollout begins in early March 2026 and completes by late March 2026.

How this affects your organization:

• Who is affected: All users sharing images in Microsoft Teams chats and channels.
• What will happen:
  • EXIF metadata (e.g., GPS location, camera model, manufacturer info) will be automatically removed from images shared in Teams conversations.
  • The visible image content remains unchanged.
  • No admin action is required; this feature is enabled by default.
  • If users need to retain EXIF data, they can upload images to OneDrive and share a link via Teams.

What you can do to prepare:

• Inform end users, security, and compliance stakeholders that EXIF data will no longer be available in Teams-shared images.
• Update internal documentation or training that references sharing metadata via images.
• Review workflows, diagnostics, or integrations that rely on EXIF data and plan alternatives.

Compliance considerations:

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.