Microsoft’s AI-driven Recall feature is set to make its return to the Copilot+ ecosystem, although it may take some time before the broader Windows user base on the latest ARM-based PCs can access it. The tech giant announced on Wednesday that the feature will initially roll out to Windows Insider beta testers in October, paving the way for a more extensive release in the future. Addressing security concerns, Microsoft reassured users that their devices would remain secure from potential hacking threats.
Anticipation Builds for Recall’s Launch
In a recent update to its blog, Microsoft revealed that the auto-screenshotting Recall feature will now be opt-in. This announcement comes two months after the company postponed its initial launch. Recall is expected to debut on Copilot+ PCs for members of the Windows Insider beta group sometime in October, though the timeline for a wider rollout remains uncertain.
Originally touted as a flagship feature for Copilot+ PCs powered by the new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips, Recall automatically captures screenshots of users’ desktops every few minutes. These images are then organized for easy access, with AI technology employed to recognize text and images within the screenshots. This functionality allows users to revisit previously opened web pages, programs, and documents, effectively serving as a digital “time machine” for those who may struggle to remember important sites or files.
Addressing User Concerns
Despite its promising capabilities, skepticism among Windows users has been palpable. Early on, concerns arose regarding the feature’s propensity to capture sensitive information, including passwords and financial data. Initially, Recall was pre-installed and enabled by default on all new Copilot+ PCs. While Microsoft assured users that their data would be securely stored on the device, security researchers later discovered that the AI-generated plain text was stored in an unsecured manner within the PC’s AppData folder. This revelation raised alarms about the potential for malicious actors to access and exploit sensitive user information.
As the timeline for a broader Recall release remains unclear, Microsoft reiterated its commitment to prioritizing security. The company has proposed implementing Windows Hello biometric sign-in as a means to access Recall snapshots. Additionally, users will have the flexibility to enable or disable the feature during their initial Windows sign-in process, with the default setting now switched off.
While it remains uncertain whether Microsoft has made further adjustments to the program, anticipation continues to build as users await the opportunity to experience Recall firsthand. Without this feature, Copilot+ PCs such as the Microsoft Surface Pro and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, despite their impressive power and speed, have yet to fulfill the lofty AI-centric expectations set by the company.
