OneDrive File Issues

How to Restore Photo Capture Dates When Moving Google Photos to OneDrive

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to restore or retain the original capture dates of photos exported from Google Photos and uploaded to OneDrive.

How to Restore Photo Capture Dates After Moving Google Photos to OneDrive

Product: OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating a photo library from Google Photos to OneDrive using the Google Takeout export service.
Observed behavior: Photos display the download or upload date in OneDrive instead of the original capture date because Google Takeout separates metadata into distinct JSON files.

Before you start

Before attempting to merge or modify your metadata, ensure you have securely backed up all original files from your Google Takeout archive, including both the images and their corresponding JSON files.

Solution 1Recommended

Merge Metadata Using a Dedicated Takeout Tool Before Uploading

The most effective way to restore capture dates is by merging the separated JSON metadata back into the image files' EXIF data before uploading them to OneDrive.

Google Takeout often extracts EXIF data, such as the date taken and location, and stores it in a separate JSON file alongside the image. When these unmodified images are uploaded to OneDrive, the cloud storage service reads the file creation date instead of the original capture date.

To resolve this, you must use a third-party utility to embed the metadata back into the image files prior to your OneDrive upload.

Extract your Google Takeout archive

Download your complete Google Photos archive from Google Takeout and extract the ZIP files to a local folder on your computer.

Download a metadata fixing tool

Acquire a reputable metadata merging tool, such as Metadata Fixer for Google Photos Takeout, or an open-source alternative like ExifTool.

Run the metadata merge

Open the tool, select the extracted folder containing both your images and JSON files, and run the process to embed the capture date metadata directly into the image files.

Upload to OneDrive

Once the merging process is complete, upload the newly updated photo files to your OneDrive account. OneDrive will now recognize and display the correct capture dates.

Merge Metadata Using a Dedicated Takeout Tool Before Uploading

File Compatibility: Always verify that the metadata tool supports your specific photo and video file formats (like HEIC, MP4, or JPG) before performing bulk operations.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Files and Documents Effectively with WPS Office

While resolving cloud storage metadata issues requires specialized tools, managing your daily documents doesn't have to be complicated. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, making it easy to create, edit, and organize files across all your devices seamlessly.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your device.
2. Open and Create: Launch WPS Office and select Writer, Spreadsheet, or Presentation to start a new document or open an existing Microsoft Office file.
3. Save and Sync: Save your work locally or log in to WPS Cloud to synchronize your important documents across multiple devices seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Lightweight design ensures fast installation and smooth performance on any device.Easily organize photo logs, metadata records, or backup checklists using WPS Spreadsheet.Familiar, user-friendly interface allows for a zero-learning-curve migration.Built-in PDF toolkit for seamless viewing, editing, and conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Google Takeout photos show the wrong date in OneDrive?

Google Takeout often strips the original capture date from the image's internal EXIF data and stores it in a separate JSON file. When OneDrive processes the image without this internal data, it defaults to the date the file was created on your computer or uploaded.

Are there free tools to fix Google Photos metadata?

Yes, there are open-source tools like ExifTool and community scripts like GooglePhotosTakeoutHelper that can merge JSON metadata for free. However, these often require basic command-line knowledge, whereas paid software typically provides a simpler graphical interface.

Can I fix the metadata after uploading the photos to OneDrive?

It is highly recommended to merge the metadata before uploading. OneDrive cannot automatically pair your uploaded images with separate JSON files. If they are already uploaded, you will need to download them, fix the metadata locally, and upload them again.

Will merging the JSON metadata affect my image quality?

No. Editing or merging EXIF metadata only updates the text-based information (like dates and GPS coordinates) hidden within the file. It does not alter the actual image pixels or compress the photo.

Document & File Issues