Windows Recall Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft: Windows 11 24H2 now ready to rollout to everyone

Microsoft has announced the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update, also known as the Windows 11 2024 Update, which is now available for all compatible PCs, except those with safeguard holds. The gradual rollout via Windows Update is nearing completion, and eligible users will see an option to download the update in their settings. Automatic updates will apply to Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2) not managed by IT departments. Upgrade blocks are in place for systems with incompatible hardware or software, including certain applications and drivers. Users can check compatibility using the PC Health Check app or Windows 11 specifications. The update introduces new features such as AI-powered capabilities, an energy saver, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, Bluetooth LE audio support, HDR background support, natural language understanding in search, and a revamped Windows Recall feature. The rollout began in May 2024 for enterprise testing and transitioned to general availability in October. It will also be available to eligible PCs running Windows 10 22H2 in late January 2025, with a force-installation for unmanaged systems on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. Microsoft provides a guided walkthrough and support document for users during the upgrade process.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows Recall Is Back (but Should You Use It?)

Windows Recall, an AI-driven feature by Microsoft, was initially launched in July but withdrawn due to security and privacy concerns. It has since returned with modifications aimed at improving user experience, although concerns about its functionality persist. Recall captures and analyzes screenshots of user activities to aid in retrieving past documents or messages. Users must have a Copilot+ PC to access Recall, which is not activated by default. Security enhancements include encrypted data storage and mandatory Windows Hello authentication for access. However, issues remain, such as potential access via a computer PIN, inconsistent filtering of sensitive data, and the risk of data being captured from shared devices. Users can exempt specific sites and apps from being captured, but the process is cumbersome.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Windows 11’s Recall AI is now rolling out on Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has announced the rollout of Windows Recall, a feature for Windows 11 systems with KB5055627 on Copilot+ PCs. Recall uses AI to capture and store visual information from the screen, allowing users to find previously viewed content by describing it in everyday language. Initially unveiled in May 2024, Recall faced privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to pause its rollout for further testing. The feature is now optional and includes enhancements to filter out sensitive information. Recall is part of Windows 11 Build 26100 and will be widely available with the May 2025 Patch Tuesday Update.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls Windows Recall out to the public nearly a year after announcing it

Microsoft is rolling out enhancements for Copilot+ PCs, including the Recall feature and a revamped Search function that understands contextual meanings for a more intuitive experience. The new "Click to Do" feature allows users to copy text from images, search on-screen content, and summarize or rewrite text by pressing the Windows key and clicking. To use Copilot+, PCs must have specific hardware requirements, including a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second. Supported processors for Copilot+ include Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, Intel's Core Ultra 200V-series laptop chips, and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series. The Recall feature and enhanced Search are available for both Arm and x86 PCs, while some Click to Do features are exclusive to Arm systems.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Microsoft removes the paywall for Copilot Vision, but only for Edge users

Microsoft has introduced a feature called Copilot Vision in its Edge browser, which allows AI to perceive and interpret content on users' screens. This feature is currently free but limited to users in the United States. Concerns about privacy and data security have arisen, prompting Microsoft to take a cautious approach to its rollout. Both Copilot Vision and a previous feature, Windows Recall, which captures snapshots of a user’s PC, are optional and require user activation. Microsoft has made modifications to enhance the security of Windows Recall in response to privacy concerns.

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

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.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

How to Try Copilot’s New ‘Vision’ and File Search Updates

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Copilot application, including Copilot Vision and an advanced file search capability, now rolling out to Windows Insiders. Copilot Vision allows the AI to "see" what is displayed on the user's screen, enabling users to ask questions about their browsing, documents, or music without needing screenshots. Microsoft assures users that they maintain control over accessible information, with data deleted after each session. The updated file search feature allows the AI to locate, open, and discuss files stored locally, enabling natural language queries for file retrieval. Users can manage permissions for Copilot through application settings. These features will eventually be available to all Windows users, and those interested can join the Windows Insider Program for early access. To use the new features, users need version 1.25034.133.0 or later from the Microsoft Store. Copilot Vision can be activated by clicking the glasses icon in the app, while file search is integrated for easy queries.