Microsoft’s Recall feature, designed to capture screenshots of user activities on Copilot Plus PCs, has stirred significant debate since its announcement earlier this year. The controversy intensified when security researchers identified that a pre-release version of the Recall database lacked encryption, prompting Microsoft to delay the feature and prioritize security enhancements. Currently, Recall remains unavailable for testing on Copilot Plus PCs, yet speculation is rife regarding its potential automatic installation with the latest Windows 11 update.
Clarifying Misunderstandings
IT manager and YouTuber Chris Titus recently highlighted what he perceived as evidence that Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 24H2 update includes mandatory references to Recall. In a video, he asserted, “Recall is getting installed on every single system in 24H2,” suggesting that it is a dependency in File Explorer, which raised alarms among viewers.
However, upon further investigation, it becomes clear that Microsoft has consistently communicated that Recall will be an optional feature upon its return, with users retaining the ability to uninstall it entirely. The confusion surrounding its apparent activation in the 24H2 update stems from the integration of changes aimed at simplifying Recall’s removal for system administrators.
Windows expert Albacore, known for developing the Amperage tool, explained that since the Recall security issues surfaced in the summer, both insider and production builds have completely omitted the feature. He noted, “The references we’re seeing in current installs of 24H2 are related to Microsoft making it easier for system admins to remove Recall or disable it.” Albacore further remarked that the effort to facilitate Recall’s removal has been misinterpreted as a sign of potential surveillance.
Additionally, the abrupt removal of Recall over the summer has introduced some bugs affecting how the feature is displayed and managed. Users of Titus’ Windows Utility reported crashes in File Explorer when the Recall feature was disabled on new installations of Windows 11 version 24H2. Microsoft acknowledged an uninstall option for Recall that appeared in September, initially labeling it a bug before confirming that users would indeed have the ability to uninstall the feature.
Albacore elaborated on the complexities of integrating development changes into the mainline build, suggesting that the staggered merging of optional features likely contributed to the observed issues. In response to inquiries about the Recall references in 24H2, Microsoft reiterated that Recall is an opt-in experience and can be removed by users. Brandon LeBlanc, senior product manager of Windows, stated, “The preview of Recall for Copilot Plus PCs has not yet been made available to Windows Insiders,” reinforcing that the information shared in a September blog post remains accurate.
Despite the clarity provided by Microsoft, fears regarding Recall’s covert installation continue to proliferate across YouTube, with numerous videos suggesting methods to “remove” a feature that is not currently present in Windows 11 version 24H2. Albacore clarified, “Recall is implemented by the AIX user experience package, and in all current builds, the package is simply a stub.” As the anticipation builds for Microsoft to release Recall to Windows Insiders, expected in October, the tech community eagerly awaits the opportunity for security researchers to evaluate the latest modifications and the processes for opting in and uninstalling the feature.
