After a prolonged period of speculation, Microsoft has confirmed the return of Copilot’s Recall feature, set to make its comeback in October. This announcement has stirred mixed reactions among users, particularly as the tech giant faces the challenge of persuading its audience to embrace this functionality once again. In a move that may ease some concerns, Microsoft has introduced the option to uninstall Recall from Windows, although this feature’s availability may not extend to all users.
Microsoft’s Recall Feature Becomes Uninstallable
According to insights from the German website Deskmodder, an optional update for Windows 11 now allows users to uninstall Recall. Previously, users could only deactivate or block the feature through settings. The new update, identified as KB5041865, enables Recall to be removed entirely from the system, a significant shift in user control over this feature.
Until now, you could only block the function or deactivate it in the settings. But with the optional update KB5041865, Recall can now also be uninstalled from the system. Recall has been added as a Windows feature. This was added in the old Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off. Interestingly, this entry is currently missing in Windows 11 Canary.
However, there are nuances to consider. The information from Deskmodder is derived from a German version of Windows 11, which operates under different regulations due to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation mandates that companies comply with specific requirements, including the ability to uninstall certain features like Recall.
Despite this progress, it remains uncertain whether the uninstall option will be rolled out globally. Historically, tech companies have been inconsistent in applying DMA changes beyond Europe. Nevertheless, there are methods to enable European Economic Area (EEA) features on Windows 10 and 11 in other regions, raising hopes that a similar workaround could emerge for Recall.
