Microsoft’s Clarification on Recall
For users of Windows 11, the recent developments surrounding the Recall feature have stirred a mix of anticipation and disappointment. Last week, the KB5041865 update introduced a surprising twist: the option to uninstall the much-debated activity snapshotting feature. This unexpected flexibility brought a sense of relief to many concerned about privacy and security implications.
However, this brief moment of optimism was swiftly curtailed by Microsoft, which clarified that the ability to uninstall Recall was, in fact, a bug. The company announced that this option would be rectified in a forthcoming update, meaning that Recall will be a permanent fixture on all Windows 11 devices. While users will have the ability to disable it, the uninstallation option will be off the table.
The KB5041865 update had initially positioned Recall as an optional component within the Windows Feature Control Panel, igniting excitement among those who perceive Recall as a significant threat to their privacy. Yet, this excitement was short-lived, as Microsoft confirmed that the uninstall option was an error on their part.
In a statement to the Verge, Brandon LeBlanc, a senior product manager at Windows, addressed the situation:
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 reaction to the temporary availability of the uninstall option underscores a palpable demand for greater control over privacy settings among users. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will take this feedback into account in the long term or continue on its current path.
