Microsoft Recall Comes to Windows a Year After Controversy and Here's What's New
By - Che Browndon
Written-on - April 25, 2025
Microsoft "Recall" was announced last year on May 2024. It was supposed to be
released alongside copilot but was delayed because of backlash. The backlash was because of the very nature of this new feature. Recall is a feature that when activated, automatically takes searchable screenshots, in this case known as Snapshots that can be used to trace a user’s activity. After almost a year since it was announced, it will be rolling out. This article will talk about what Recall is, why it was criticized and the security measures developed by Windows to shut-up critiques.
About Recall
“Recall” is a new feature exclusive to Copilot+ Window 11 PC’s that frequently (every few seconds) takes screenshots, referred to as Snapshots of user activity that has occurred over a period of time. This new feature utilizes Windows Copilot Runtime to let users view their own activity history seen as “Snapshots” that were taken overtime. Users can use the timeline to now scroll over those Snapshots viewing past activities be it in an app, a website, emails, folders, documents, videos, etc. Once found, users can click the re-launch button below the snapshots opening an activity that took place in the past. It utilizes the UserActivity API and Click To Do.
Aside from scrolling, users will also be able to search for past activities and snapshots will show-up based on close or related keyword matches. The feature also lets users interact with content be it editing a picture from a snapshot. Users will also be able to filter information from snapshots and also pause/resume snapshots. Other System requirements for “Recall” include 16 GB RAM, 8 logical processors, 256 GB storage capacity, 40 TOPs NPU, Users need to enable encryption and users need to enroll into Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security.
Why it was Criticized
Recall was heavily criticized because of the very nature of the feature. In fact, it was compared to a Spyware because it saves history of all user activities and can also be accessed. In the wrong hands, this feature will be very problematic. What if a user’s PC has been hacked or stolen? Will the perpetrators have access to every single information on the PC? Windows received so much backlash they had to halt the release of this new feature. “Recall” was supposed to release last year but because of backlash, it was halted for more testing. After a year of testing, Windows have come up with several ways to ensure that Recall won’t be a too problematic.
Micosoft's Protection Plan
Microsoft has confirmed that information is encrypted so only a particular user can access them. Recalls also takes advantage of just in time decryption protected by Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS). Users will have to enroll into Windows Hello so Recall requires frequent confirmation of identity before it launches.
Secondly, Snapshots can be deleted and copied. This option will be very valuable for those who do not trust this new feature. Users can simply delete snapshots. Microsoft has confirmed the “Delete all” option will be available.
Finally, Recall is an optional feature. Although it is available by default for devices that aren’t managed by an organization or school, it can be disabled. Type “Turn Windows Features on or off” in the search box on your task bar and uncheck Recall from the dialog and restart your PC. All Snapshots that were said would be instantly deleted. It can be re-enabled using that same process.
Closure
Despite backlash, Microsoft still proceeded with the launch of “Recall”. The Organization has taken steps nothing bad happens to users but how good or bad the “Recall” feature will be received will be known in the near future. You can learn more about Recall by clicking here.
Related
Copyright © 2025 ComicCone.com. All Rights Reserved
