Windows 11 users will no longer have the option to uninstall the controversial “Recall” feature, contrary to earlier suggestions. Recall, which was introduced as part of the Copilot+ suite in May, is designed to continuously capture screenshots of user activity to aid in the retrieval of previous work. This feature aims to improve user productivity by creating a visual archive of their tasks.
Recent reports by Deskmodder had indicated that the latest Windows 11 update, version 24H2, included an option to completely remove Recall from the system. This information led many users to believe they could avoid the feature if they chose. However, Microsoft has since clarified that this was an error. Brandon LeBlanc, a senior product manager at Microsoft, confirmed to The Verge that the uninstall option appearing in the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ menu was a mistake. Microsoft has pledged to correct this issue in a forthcoming update.
Recall is integrated into Windows 11 to provide users with a sophisticated tool that monitors and logs their actions on compatible devices. By leveraging on-device generative AI, Recall helps users find specific information by sifting through a comprehensive library of screenshots. Despite its intended benefits, Recall has been met with considerable backlash due to concerns over cybersecurity. Critics argue that it could potentially capture and store sensitive information, such as passwords and other confidential data. Kevin Beaumont, a former security expert at Microsoft, labeled Recall as a “cybersecurity disaster,” emphasizing the risk of exposing every keystroke and viewable content on a PC.
In response to the criticism, Microsoft initially stated that Recall would be an opt-in feature, meaning it would not be active by default. This decision aimed to address privacy concerns by giving users control over whether or not they wanted the feature enabled. Recall’s rollout, which was originally scheduled for June, has been delayed to October to allow Microsoft additional time to address security vulnerabilities. The feature is now undergoing evaluation by Windows Insiders as part of its pre-release testing phase.
Meanwhile, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is investigating Recall for potential privacy breaches, further highlighting the ongoing scrutiny surrounding this feature. As Microsoft works to refine Recall and resolve these issues, the feature’s future remains under close watch by both users and regulators.
