Six months following the initial announcement, Microsoft has unveiled a first-look preview of its revamped Windows Recall feature, now accessible to Windows Insiders via the Dev Channel. This preview is currently exclusive to users with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Plus Copilot+ PCs, delivered through the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723). Support for Intel- and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs is anticipated in the future.
Innovative Features of Recall
Recall introduces a unique capability that allows users to take “snapshots” of their PC activities, enabling them to retrieve any application action, website visited, or document accessed at any time. Utilizing optical character recognition (OCR), Recall extracts text from screenshots, storing both images and text in a searchable database. When users query what they are looking for, Recall efficiently searches this database to provide relevant results.
One of the standout features of Recall is its built-in neural processing unit, which is designed to handle artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tasks locally. This approach ensures that no data is stored in the cloud, maintaining user privacy as Microsoft does not have access to any Recall snapshots, nor will these snapshots be employed to enhance Microsoft’s AI models.
Enhanced Privacy and Security Measures
Initially slated for release last summer, Recall faced several delays as Microsoft worked to address privacy concerns. In September, the company detailed its efforts to secure Recall snapshots. The preview now incorporates several security-focused enhancements. Users must opt in to save snapshots, a shift from the previous opt-out model. Additionally, Recall mandates that BitLocker disk encryption and Secure Boot be activated, and users must be enrolled in Windows Hello to reauthenticate each time they access the Recall database.
Users retain control over their data, with the ability to delete any snapshot at their discretion. The system is equipped to identify sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and passwords, ensuring that such data is not saved. Furthermore, users can choose to opt out of using Recall for specific applications and websites or uninstall it entirely. For enterprise and educational users, IT administrators will manage Recall, with the option to uninstall it if data exposure is a concern.
Feedback and Future Developments
The Windows Insider preview serves as a platform for users to experience Recall in real-world scenarios, allowing Microsoft to pinpoint and rectify potential issues. Users are encouraged to share their feedback on the preview versions of Recall and the complementary Click to Do feature, which recognizes text and images in Recall snapshots. This feedback can be submitted through the Feedback Hub, and Insiders are invited to contribute insights regarding Recall’s updated security and privacy framework via the Windows Insider Preview Bug Bounty Program.
While Microsoft has not disclosed a timeline for how long Recall will remain in preview status before transitioning to general release, the ongoing engagement with users underscores the company’s commitment to refining this innovative feature.
