Microsoft is giving its Recall feature another try after facing significant criticism and delays. Initially tested in the Dev Channel as an experimental feature last fall, Recall is now gradually rolling out in the Release Preview Channel, signaling a potential comeback for the AI-powered tool. In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced that Recall is available in preview mode for Windows Insiders running Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.3902. This preview, exclusively for Copilot+ PCs, offers the first glimpse of the May 2025 update. If no major issues arise during this testing phase, the feature is expected to be released next month. First unveiled in May 2024, Recall was presented as a revolutionary “photographic memory” for computers. It functions by taking periodic snapshots of your activity in Windows, enabling users to quickly locate previously viewed content, files, apps, and settings. While the concept seemed promising, it immediately raised privacy concerns among users and security experts alike. The primary concern stemmed from the fact that Recall captures snapshots of virtually everything a user sees and does on their computer. This led to worries about potential privacy breaches and misuse of sensitive information. The backlash prompted Microsoft to reconsider its approach and temporarily halt the rollout of Recall to address these critical issues. In response to the concerns, Microsoft has implemented several changes and safeguards. The company emphasizes that snapshots are not shared with Microsoft or any third parties and are not used for training purposes. Furthermore, the snapshot data is encrypted and accessible only through Windows Hello authentication, requiring facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, a PIN, or a physical security key. Microsoft is also making it clear that Recall will not be enabled by default. Users must actively opt-in to use the feature and set up Windows Hello for secure access. The company also highlights that users can disable Recall at any time if they choose to discontinue its use. These measures are intended to provide users with greater control over their data and mitigate potential privacy risks. "As you use your Copilot+ PC throughout the day working on documents or presentations, taking video calls, and context-switching across activities, Recall will take regular snapshots and help you find things faster and easier," Microsoft stated in its blog post, emphasizing the potential benefits of the feature. The company hopes that these adjustments will alleviate concerns and allow users to experience the productivity enhancements that Recall aims to provide. With these changes, Microsoft is hoping to regain user trust and demonstrate its commitment to privacy. The success of this relaunch hinges on the feedback from Windows Insiders and the overall perception of Recall's security and utility. Only time will tell if Microsoft has successfully addressed the initial concerns and can deliver a valuable feature without compromising user privacy.
