The ongoing narrative surrounding Microsoft’s AI feature, Recall, has taken an unexpected turn. Initially, users were led to believe that the feature could be uninstalled, as indicated in the latest iteration of Windows 11 24H2. This potential option was highlighted by Desk Modder within the “Turn Windows features on and off” menu found in the Control Panel. However, Microsoft has since clarified to The Verge that this was a mere glitch, with a promise that the listing will be rectified in an upcoming update.
Understanding the Implications
While the prospect of uninstalling Recall may have offered users a sense of control amid ongoing security concerns, it is essential to note that disabling the feature remains an option. Initially, Recall was set to be enabled by default on new Copilot+ PCs. However, following the surfacing of security vulnerabilities, Microsoft pivoted to an opt-in model, ultimately postponing the feature’s rollout entirely.
The forthcoming update for Recall is expected to introduce enhanced security protocols, including the necessity for Windows Hello and full encryption. Although a preview launch is anticipated in October, the official release may be delayed further.
Technical Requirements and Market Position
Recall’s deployment is contingent upon possessing a robust neural processing unit (NPU) capable of at least 40 Tera Operations Per Second (TOPS). Consequently, older PCs, as well as many current-generation “AI PC” Intel laptops, will not meet the necessary specifications for this feature.
Originally, Microsoft positioned Recall as a key selling point for the more advanced NPUs integrated into the Copilot+ series, alongside supplementary creative functionalities such as Cocreator in Paint. Notably, the inaugural Copilot+ PCs are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Arm chips, which promise a significant enhancement in both battery life and efficiency, further strengthening their market appeal.
