[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #63626: Improve Media Library's "Attached" status to reflect actual usage in posts/pages, not just direct uploads.

[WordPress Trac]

#63626: Improve Media Library's "Attached" status to reflect actual usage in
posts/pages, not just direct uploads.
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 Reporter:  sr33hgs      |      Owner:  (none)
     Type:  enhancement  |     Status:  new
 Priority:  normal       |  Milestone:  Awaiting Review
Component:  Media        |    Version:
 Severity:  normal       |   Keywords:
  Focuses:               |
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 Currently, WordPress marks media files as “attached” only if they are
 uploaded directly into a post or page using the Add Media button. However,
 if a user uploads media to the Media Library first, and later inserts it
 into a post or page, the file remains labeled as “unattached” - even
 though it's actively in use.

 This behavior causes confusion, especially for users managing large
 amounts of media or trying to free up storage. It also leads to the false
 assumption that “unattached” media is unused and safe to delete.

 Steps to Reproduce:
 Create a new post and upload an image directly inside the post editor.

 Save the post.

 Visit the Media Library, filter by Unattached.
 → The image is correctly not shown in the “Unattached” filter.

 Now, upload a different image directly to the Media Library.

 Insert that image into a post by selecting it from the Media Library.

 Save the post.

 Return to the Media Library and filter by Unattached.
 → The inserted image still appears as Unattached, even though it's now
 used in content.

 Expected Result:
 Any media item inserted into a post or page—regardless of whether it was
 uploaded through the editor or Media Library—should be marked as
 “attached.” Ideally, it could also display which post/page it is attached
 to.

 Actual Result:
 Only media uploaded directly to a post is considered "attached." Media
 added via the Media Library remains "unattached," even if inserted into
 content.

 Users expect “attached” to mean “in use,” but the current system reflects
 only a technical upload path.

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Ticket URL: <https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/63626>
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