Windows 11 users are facing a new twist regarding Microsoft’s “Recall” feature, a tool that has sparked considerable debate since its announcement. Initially introduced as part of the Copilot+ suite in May, Recall is designed to continuously capture screenshots of user activity, ostensibly to help individuals retrieve previous work with ease. However, a recent report suggested that an update to Windows 11, specifically version 24H2, would allow users to uninstall this feature entirely. Microsoft has since clarified that this uninstall option was a mere glitch.
Clarification from Microsoft
Brandon LeBlanc, a senior product manager at Microsoft, addressed the confusion in a statement to The Verge, explaining, “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.” This clarification has left many users grappling with the reality that Recall is here to stay, at least for the time being.
Recall’s functionality hinges on its ability to track user actions on compatible Windows PCs, employing an on-device generative AI model to sift through a repository of screenshots. While the intent is to streamline the retrieval of information, critics have raised significant concerns regarding the feature’s potential vulnerabilities. The indiscriminate nature of the screenshots means that sensitive data—ranging from passwords to confidential documents—could easily be captured and stored.
Kevin Beaumont, a former Microsoft security expert, did not mince words when discussing the risks associated with Recall, labeling it a “cybersecurity disaster.” He remarked, “Stealing everything you’ve ever typed or viewed on your own Windows PC is now possible with two lines of code.” Such stark warnings have only fueled public apprehension regarding the feature.
In response to the mounting backlash, Microsoft quickly pivoted after Recall’s initial announcement, stating that the feature would be opt-in, meaning it would be disabled by default. Additionally, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched an investigation into potential violations of user privacy related to Recall. Following the uproar and the looming threat of legal challenges, Microsoft postponed the feature’s rollout, which was originally set for June, to address these pressing security concerns. Now, Recall is slated to debut in October, first being tested by Windows Insiders.
