Recall feature Archives

Winsage

June 24, 2025

After about a bazillion user requests, Windows finally lets you move the audio volume pop-up

Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4452, allowing users to reposition the audio volume pop-up and customize the placement of hardware indicators like brightness and volume. The update enhances the Recall feature with a personalized homepage for quick access to recent activities and frequently used applications and websites. Users can manage which applications are captured by Recall, excluding sensitive apps. The update also fixes a glitch with the startup sound and improves File Explorer functionality.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

How to turn off AI in Windows and bring yourself some peace

Microsoft is integrating artificial intelligence across its product suite, including Microsoft Edge, Office, Notepad, and Paint. Users can disable or hide AI features, such as Copilot, by right-clicking its icon on the taskbar to unpin it, adjusting settings in the Copilot app, or uninstalling it through the Settings panel. Other AI features like Windows Recall and Click to Do can also be turned off in the Privacy & security section of Windows Settings. Notepad allows users to toggle off Copilot, but Paint currently does not have an option to remove the Copilot button. Users are advised to regularly check for options to disable unwanted AI functionalities.

Winsage

June 16, 2025

Microsoft’s new AI agent can change Windows settings for you

Microsoft has introduced an AI agent to assist users in navigating Windows PCs, allowing requests for guidance and task execution. This feature is currently available only to Windows 11 Insiders using Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs with English as the primary display language. Support for compatible AMD and Intel PCs will be available soon. The AI agent is part of the latest Insider build, which also includes enhancements to the Recall feature, allowing users to reset collected data and automatically expiring snapshots after 90 days. Additional features in the update include Click to Do support for email addresses and improved sharing options for OneDrive files, along with bug fixes.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

Microsoft’s Copilot Vision AI helper is now available on Windows in the US

Microsoft has rolled out an update for its Copilot assistant, introducing a feature called Copilot Vision for Windows 10 and 11 users in the United States. This feature allows users to share up to two applications with the assistant for interactive conversations about on-screen content. Copilot Vision is designed to analyze information, provide guidance, and respond to inquiries in real time. The update also includes a Highlights functionality that helps users accomplish specific tasks within applications. To access Copilot Vision, users can launch the Copilot app, click the glasses icon, and select the apps to share. Microsoft plans to expand this feature to users in non-European countries soon, following initial testing with Copilot Pro subscribers.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has made significant updates for users in the European Union and European Economic Area, including the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store while still receiving app updates, a reduction in notifications related to Edge, and increased control over web searches in Windows. This week features discounts on various applications, with some offers extending beyond a single week. Notable new or improved Windows apps include: - Fences 6.0: An updated desktop management tool that allows users to organize programs and links into customizable groups with new tab support. - Start Everywhere: An application launcher that complements the Windows Start Menu, enabling users to launch applications from any screen corner using mouse clicks, hotkeys, or active corners. - VeraCrypt 1.26: An open-source encryption software that allows users to encrypt their entire system, individual hard drives, or specific partitions, with new protective measures against screen recordings and captures.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Messaging app Signal will block Windows Recall from taking chat screenshots

Signal has introduced a "Screen Security" feature in its desktop application to prevent external programs, including Windows 11, from capturing screenshots of its interface. This feature is enabled by default and is a response to Microsoft's Recall feature, which captures app window screenshots for AI processing. Signal is concerned about the privacy risks posed by Recall's design, despite Microsoft's assurances of improved privacy controls. The developers have used Windows' Digital Rights Management technology to protect against unauthorized screenshots due to the lack of official APIs from Windows 11. Signal's leadership has criticized the need for such workarounds and has called on Microsoft to provide better tools for developers to safeguard user privacy.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Signal blasts Microsoft over Recall privacy failings, as secure messaging app is forced to fudge a way of blocking the controversial Windows 11 feature

Signal has introduced a new feature in its Windows 11 application that blocks Microsoft's Recall functionality to enhance user privacy. This 'screen security' setting is activated by default for Windows 11 users and is part of Signal's efforts to protect shared content on its platform. Recall captures screenshots of user activity on Copilot+ PCs, which raised privacy concerns. While Microsoft has improved Recall, issues with its interaction with privacy-focused applications like Signal remain. The feature is specifically applicable to users with Copilot+ PCs equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Users can disable the screen security setting through Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen security, with a warning about the privacy implications of doing so.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal says no to Windows 11’s Recall screenshots

Signal has updated its Windows app to enhance user privacy by preventing Microsoft’s Recall feature from capturing screenshots of secure conversations. The new version activates screen security by default, using a digital rights management (DRM) approach similar to that of streaming services. Users can disable this feature in the app’s settings, but concerns have been raised about its impact on accessibility features like screen readers. Developer Joshua Lund has highlighted the need for app developers to access tools that protect sensitive information from OS-level AI systems. Microsoft’s Recall feature, designed to enhance productivity, currently lacks an API to exclude sensitive content from its archives, posing privacy risks. While Microsoft has measures to filter activities from private browser windows, users must have technical knowledge to adjust settings for specific applications. Signal continues to adapt to digital privacy challenges while advocating for better support from operating system developers.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal will block Microsoft Recall from snooping on your texts

Encrypted messaging platform Signal is enhancing its Windows application with a feature called Screen Security, which prevents screenshots of messages while the app is in use. The application is flagged as protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), ensuring that DRM content cannot be recorded in screenshots on Windows devices. Screen Security is activated by default but can be disabled by users if needed. Signal hopes that AI developers will consider the implications of their innovations more thoughtfully. The Recall feature in Windows 11, which allows users to record everything displayed on their screens, has faced privacy and security concerns, and skepticism remains about its readiness for widespread adoption.

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Signal resorts to “weird trick” to block Windows Recall in Desktop app

Microsoft's Recall feature indexes a wide range of personal data, including Zoom meetings, emails, photos, medical conditions, and conversations on Signal, affecting both users and their contacts without consent. Researcher Kevin Beaumont found that the feature captures sensitive information like payment card details and can decrypt its database using a fingerprint scan or PIN. Developers, such as those at Signal, lack tools to prevent their content from being indexed by Recall, leading Signal to utilize a Digital Rights Management API to protect privacy. This workaround may help, but it depends on all chat participants using the Windows Desktop version with default settings. Microsoft has not addressed concerns regarding developer control over Recall.