Microsoft has unveiled the first public preview of Windows Recall, a long-awaited feature enabling users to revisit their screen activity through AI-driven search tools. It is exclusively available to participants in the Windows Insider Dev Channel using Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.
Windows Recall marks a significant milestone for Microsoft in integrating artificial intelligence with on-device privacy safeguards. Its release comes after months of delays and a complete overhaul to address concerns raised by privacy advocates.
From Launch Delays to Privacy Overhaul
Initially announced during Microsoft Build 2024, Recall was pitched as a flagship feature for Copilot+ PCs, designed to empower users by capturing snapshots of screen activity and making them searchable through natural language queries or a timeline interface. However, its initial implementation faced sharp criticism for storing screenshots unencrypted, raising fears over potential data exposure.
Microsoft responded to these concerns with a series of redesigns. Senior product manager Brandon LeBlanc acknowledged in November that the delays—originally from June to October and finally to November 23—were necessary to ensure a “secure and trusted experience”. The most significant changes were announced in September, including encryption and sensitive data filtering powered by Microsoft Purview.
Microsoft has integrated several advanced security features to safeguard users’ information:
- Encryption and Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): Screenshots are stored in VBS-enclosed memory regions, isolated from the operating system to protect against malware.
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM): Each snapshot is encrypted with a unique key stored in the TPM, a hardware chip that ensures only the device’s owner can access the data.
- Sensitive Data Filtering: Leveraging Microsoft Purview, Recall automatically excludes sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers from being captured.
To further reinforce security, Recall requires biometric authentication via Windows Hello for access and is available only on devices with Secure Boot and BitLocker enabled. Despite these measures, some critics remain unconvinced. Mozilla’s Chief Product Officer, Steve Teixeira, argued that even encrypted data could introduce risks on shared devices.
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Features and Early Access
At its core, Recall uses optical character recognition (OCR) to index text and visual elements within screenshots, creating a searchable database for users. Whether typing “contract draft” or “meeting agenda,” users can quickly locate past activities.
Microsoft has also introduced Click to Do, a companion tool enabling direct interactions with saved snapshots. For example, users can copy text from images, open URLs, or conduct visual searches via Bing. Future updates may extend Click to Do’s capabilities to real-time applications, such as analyzing objects in videos.
Currently, Recall and Click to Do are available exclusively on Qualcomm-powered Copilot+ PCs running Dev Channel builds of Windows 11. Support for Intel and AMD systems is expected in upcoming updates.
Criticism and Broader Implications
Recall’s troubled development reflects the broader challenges of embedding AI into personal devices. Microsoft faced backlash not only for technical missteps but also for introducing Recall as an opt-out feature in its earliest iterations.
After privacy advocates raised alarms, the company made Recall fully opt-in, allowing users to disable or uninstall the feature entirely.
Independent developers have released alternative tools replicating Recall’s functionality. OpenRecall, for instance, offers similar features across multiple platforms but lacks encryption, raising its own privacy concerns. Another option, Amperage, expands Recall-like functionality to Intel and AMD processors but remains experimental.
A High-Stakes Release for Microsoft
The launch of Recall comes amidst rising competition in the AI space. Google’s “Circle to Search” and Apple Intelligence are examples of rivals embedding AI functionality into their ecosystems.
Microsoft hopes that Recall, combined with tools like Click to Do, will distinguish its AI offerings by enhancing productivity while respecting privacy.
For now, Recall’s success depends on feedback from Windows Insiders. While its advanced security features may reassure users, the company must address remaining concerns to ensure broader acceptance. The timeline for general availability remains uncertain, but Microsoft has indicated that user feedback will shape the final version.
