Windows 11 Recall is misbehaving in testing, and the fix for the biggest issue is an age-old favorite: turn it off, then back on again

Windows 11’s Recall feature, a highly anticipated addition to the operating system, has recently entered the testing phase, albeit not without its share of hiccups. Users have reported several bugs during initial trials, with one notable issue being the failure to save snapshots, a core function of this AI-driven tool.

Recall, designed to enhance search capabilities on Copilot+ PCs, takes regular screenshots of user activity to facilitate natural language searches. However, the feature has faced scrutiny regarding privacy and security, leading to its postponement since its initial announcement. Microsoft reintroduced Recall last week, but the excitement has been tempered by the discovery of glitches.

As highlighted by Tom Warren from The Verge, and echoed by CNBC, users may experience delays of several minutes between snapshots, which can create gaps in the timeline and diminish the effectiveness of the AI search. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues, suggesting a simple yet familiar remedy: rebooting the PC. This solution is not only applicable to the snapshot problem but also addresses other bugs that users may encounter.

Analysis: Expected problems

With Recall just beginning its testing journey, it is not surprising to see these initial challenges. While one might assume that Microsoft has refined the feature since its initial delay in June, the reality is more complex. Significant adjustments have been made to bolster security and privacy, necessitating thorough testing of the new functionalities.

Moreover, Microsoft has identified additional concerns, such as compatibility issues with certain accessibility applications and misleading notifications regarding snapshot saving. Users are advised that even when snapshots are enabled, they may still receive prompts to ensure that saving is active. Once again, the solution remains consistent: a reboot of the device.

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Windows 11 Recall is misbehaving in testing, and the fix for the biggest issue is an age-old favorite: turn it off, then back on again