Microsoft has officially rolled out its much-anticipated Recall feature for Windows 11, specifically for Copilot+ PCs, as part of the April preview update. This marks a significant milestone after several delays since its initial announcement nearly a year ago. Recall is designed to enhance user experience by utilizing saved screenshots to facilitate a more intuitive, natural language search capability.
In addition to Recall, the Click to Do feature is now generally available on Windows 11 for Copilot+ devices. This feature offers context-sensitive AI-driven actions, with a new reading coach integration currently in testing. Furthermore, the search functionality within Windows 11 has received a substantial upgrade, enabling users to conduct natural language searches that can yield results from both local files and cloud-based resources.
Microsoft has also expanded its Live Captions feature, which now includes real-time translations in Simplified Chinese, covering a total of 27 languages for audio and video content. However, the spotlight remains on Recall, which Microsoft emphasizes comes with robust privacy controls. Users can opt in to the feature, with the ability to filter content and customize what is saved for future retrieval.
To ensure data security, Recall processes information locally on the device, meaning it is not transmitted to the cloud or shared with third parties. Microsoft reassures users that they can completely remove Recall from their Copilot+ PCs if they prefer not to use it, with detailed instructions provided in a support document.
Analysis: The real gem for Copilot+ PC owners
The introduction of Recall, while long-awaited, is not entirely unexpected. Its presence in the Release Preview channel indicated that a launch was imminent. Despite initial skepticism about the timeline, the swift progression through testing suggests that Microsoft is confident in the feature’s readiness.
However, it is essential to note that Recall’s rollout will be controlled, meaning availability may be limited initially. Users eager to access the feature should download the optional April 2025 preview update and ensure their settings are configured to receive updates promptly. Patience may be required, as Microsoft is likely to approach this launch cautiously, given the stakes involved in the reputation of Copilot+ PCs.
Interestingly, while Recall garners attention, the enhanced Windows 11 search functionality may prove to be the more compelling aspect for many users. The revamped search promises a more efficient experience, allowing users to find images and files significantly faster than on previous Windows versions. This improvement could be a major draw for potential Copilot+ PC buyers, especially those who have found the existing search capabilities lacking.
Microsoft’s research indicates that the new search feature can reduce the time taken to locate and copy images by up to 70% on Copilot+ devices compared to Windows 10. While an improved search experience for all Windows 11 PCs would be ideal, the current enhancements are tailored to leverage the powerful NPU found in Copilot+ laptops.
As Microsoft anticipates that the majority of PCs sold in the coming years will be AI-enhanced models, the company is placing significant emphasis on the capabilities of Copilot+ devices. Analyst predictions suggest a bright future for these advanced systems, underscoring the importance of features like Recall and the upgraded search functionality in shaping user experiences.
