In the latest developments surrounding Windows 11, Microsoft is addressing a bug that has led to the Recall feature being mistakenly presented as an optional component for users. This issue was highlighted by Deskmodder, which noted that the recent 24H2 update, identified as KB5041865, appeared to allow users to uninstall Recall from the Windows Features section.
Clarification from Microsoft
Brandon LeBlanc, a senior product manager at Microsoft, confirmed the situation in a statement to The Verge, stating, “We are aware of an issue where Recall is incorrectly listed as an option under the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ dialog in Control Panel. This will be fixed in an upcoming update.”
The Recall feature, designed to capture screenshots of user activity on their computers, was initially slated for release alongside Copilot Plus PCs in June. However, its launch was postponed due to security concerns raised by researchers. Microsoft is now aiming to preview Recall for Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs this October, following significant modifications to enhance its security.
Security experts had flagged that the Recall database, which stores snapshots at regular intervals, lacked encryption, raising the risk of potential malware access. In response, Microsoft is transforming Recall into an opt-in feature rather than a default setting. The company plans to encrypt the database and implement authentication via Windows Hello to bolster security.
While inquiries were made regarding the possibility of fully uninstalling Recall, Microsoft has only confirmed that its current listing as an uninstallable option is erroneous. There is speculation that Microsoft may need to introduce an uninstall feature for Recall in European versions of Windows 11 to adhere to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act. This follows previous adjustments made by Microsoft, including the addition of an uninstall option for Edge in the European Economic Area, as well as the ability to remove Bing-powered web search from the Start menu.
