Recall feature Archives

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Microsoft is working on some seriously exciting Windows 11 improvements – but not everyone will get them

Windows 11 has released a new preview build in the Beta channel, identified as build 26120.3872, which includes enhancements for accessibility and search functionality, particularly for Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon processors. The update introduces Microsoft's 'Reading Coach' app, available for free starting in 2024, as part of the Click to Do functionality that uses AI for context-sensitive actions. Additionally, Voice Access has been improved, allowing users to customize the system's dictionary by adding specific words for better recognition. The update also includes various tweaks to enhance overall functionality, with a focus on expanding access to these features across different devices.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Microsoft is finally rolling out its controversial Recall feature that screenshots everything you do (again), but only for select users

Microsoft's AI screenshotting tool, Recall, is being reintroduced on Windows 11 for select members of the Windows Insider program. After concerns about storing sensitive information as unsecured plain text files, Microsoft has made Recall an opt-in feature and requires Windows Hello for accessing Recall data. Sensitive information is no longer stored as plain text. Users can control their data by pausing or deactivating Recall, deleting screenshots, or filtering content. Despite these improvements, some users remain cautious due to Recall's history and its ability to monitor screen activity, leading to privacy concerns.

Winsage

April 13, 2025

Microsoft is rolling out its controversial Recall feature to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is gradually introducing new preview features to Windows Insiders, including a feature called Recall, which allows users to return to previously accessed content by capturing screenshots of user activity. Recall was initially set for a broader rollout in June of last year but was delayed to meet security standards and further refine the user experience. It is an opt-in service requiring users to authenticate their identity with Windows Hello before accessing saved snapshots. Users can delete snapshots and pause screenshot saving at any time. Recall was previously available to a limited group of test users, and its release to all Insiders marks progress toward a broader launch.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft rolling Windows Recall back into Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has reintroduced its Windows Recall feature, now integrated into the Windows 11 Release Preview channel for Copilot+ PCs, after addressing public concerns. Originally unveiled at the Build developer conference in May of last year, Windows Recall automatically captures screenshots of a user's desktop at regular intervals and stores them locally. The feature aims to help users revisit their activities and incorporate AI capabilities for searching through the captured data. Privacy concerns arose due to the logging of user actions, prompting Microsoft to pause the launch in June after significant backlash. In November, Microsoft began testing Recall again, with it disabled by default on specific Copilot+ PCs. The feature is included in Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 as an opt-in option, with plans for a broader rollout in early 2025 and a phased introduction in the European Economic Area later this year. Recall will support multiple languages and is compatible with major web browsers. Screenshots are stored locally and encrypted, requiring Windows Hello authentication for access. Microsoft asserts that data remains on local storage and is not shared with third parties, with users having control over snapshot permissions and deletion options.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft is finally ready to ship Windows Recall after almost year long delay

Microsoft's Recall app is set for release within the Windows 11 Release Preview channel, with a potential rollout beginning as early as May. The feature captures and stores snapshots of user activities to enhance productivity. Although initially planned for a June 2024 launch with Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs, the timeline has shifted, and all Copilot+ PCs are now expected to receive Windows Recall in early 2025. At launch, the app may still carry a "preview" label, and it includes enhanced security measures such as robust encryption and mandatory Microsoft Account and Windows Hello Bio-authentication for setup. Recall is optional, allowing users to disable or uninstall it if desired. Additionally, Microsoft may introduce two new smaller Surface PCs with Copilot+ capabilities next month.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft starts final Windows Recall testing before rollout

Microsoft is gradually introducing its AI-powered Windows Recall feature to Insiders in the Release Preview channel, with plans to extend it to all Windows users with Copilot+ PCs. Recall captures screenshots of active windows at regular intervals, allowing Windows 11 users to search for text within these snapshots using natural language. Users can opt-in to save snapshots and must authenticate via Windows Hello to access their data. Recall is currently being rolled out to Windows 11 Insiders with Build 26100.3902 (KB5055627). The feature faced privacy concerns upon its introduction in May 2024, leading Microsoft to implement measures to enhance user privacy, such as filtering out sensitive information and allowing users to adjust storage settings. The rollout of the first Recall preview began in November 2024 for Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs, followed by Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs a month later.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft Is Ready to Try Again With Recall AI Feature That Screenshots Your Activity

Microsoft's Recall feature is being rolled out in preview mode to Windows Insiders using Copilot PCs powered by Snapdragon technology. The tool allows users to retrieve previously displayed content by searching for keywords, capturing screenshots throughout the day, and using AI for organization. The rollout faced delays due to privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to pause and review security measures. Users must opt in to save snapshots and enroll in Windows Hello for access, with the ability to control what is saved and pause saving at any time.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft thinks its controversial Recall feature is ready for some Windows 11 users to try out… install it if you dare

Microsoft has reintroduced the AI-powered Recall feature in Windows 11 with enhanced privacy measures after initially pausing its rollout due to user backlash over privacy concerns. The feature is included in Build 26100.3902 (KB5055627) and is being distributed to select Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Users must opt-in to save snapshots of their activity and enroll in Windows Hello for access. Recall allows users to search for apps, websites, images, or documents by describing their content. Users can control which snapshots are saved and can pause this feature at any time.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11’s controversial Recall feature could soon arrive for Copilot+ PCs – I just hope Microsoft’s tightening of its privacy is up to scratch

Microsoft is testing its Recall feature for Windows 11 in the Release Preview channel with build version 26100.3902. Recall is designed for Copilot+ PCs with powerful neural processing units (NPUs) and will initially support English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. The feature uses AI to analyze screenshots of user activity, allowing for natural language searches. Microsoft has implemented security measures like Windows Hello sign-in to address privacy concerns. Recall is expected to be available in early 2025 in most markets, but not in Europe during the initial rollout, due to data regulations.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Recall Is Finally Rolling Out To Customers

Microsoft is rolling out its Windows Recall feature, which captures near-constant screenshots of user activity to allow natural language searches for content. Concerns have been raised by cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont, who warns that it could reverse cybersecurity progress by a decade. Users must opt-in and use Windows Hello for authentication to access their stored images, which can be paused at any time. Recall captures snapshots during various tasks and allows users to reopen applications or documents and perform actions directly from these snapshots. The rollout will occur gradually, and the tech community is monitoring its impact on cybersecurity.