Windows 11 Questionable Recall "Feature": Pros, Cons, and How to Disable It

Editor: Ava Gozo. 

Introduction

Microsoft's new Windows 11 Recall "feature", exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, has created significant debate. This AI-powered tool captures screenshots of your computer activity every few seconds, allowing users to search through their past interactions using natural language queries. While it advertises improved productivity and ease of use, it also raises substantial and troubling privacy and security concerns. This article explores the pros and cons of the Windows 11 Recall feature and provides instructions on how to disable it if desired.

Pros of Windows 11 Recall

 

1. Easy Content Retrieval

One of the advantages of Windows Recall is its ability to make content retrieval straightforward. Users can find documents, images, websites, and other content they have interacted with by performing searches[1][2].

2. Improved Productivity

Recall can enhance productivity by reducing the time spent searching for lost or forgotten files. This feature may be beneficial for professionals who handle large volumes of information[1].

3. User-Friendly Interface

The Recall app features a user-friendly interface with a prominent search box and a timeline option, making it easy to navigate and find past content. The results are well-organized, and users can easily copy content to the clipboard or access the original application[1].

4. Offline Operation

Recall operates offline, storing snapshots locally on the device. This means that no data is uploaded to the cloud, addressing some privacy concerns and ensuring the feature works without an internet connection[1].

5. Customization Options

Users have control over the Recall feature, including the ability to enable or disable it, adjust storage allocation, and exclude specific websites or applications from being recorded. This customization allows users to tailor the feature to their needs and privacy preferences[1].

Cons of Windows 11 Recall

 

1. Privacy Concerns

The most significant drawback of Windows Recall is the potential invasion of privacy. The feature captures screenshots of almost every action on the computer, which could include sensitive information such as passwords, financial data, and private messages. Although Microsoft states that snapshots are stored locally and encrypted, the sheer volume of data collected raises concerns about unauthorized access and misuse[2][3][7].

2. Security Risks

Security experts have highlighted the potential for malware to exploit the Recall database, extracting sensitive information from the stored snapshots. This could lead to increased fraud and other security breaches[7][8].

3. Storage Impact

Recall requires substantial storage space, with a minimum of 50 GB of free space needed. This constant data writing can also impact the longevity of SSDs, potentially leading to premature failure[2].

4. Limited Hardware Compatibility

The feature is only available on Copilot+ PCs, which require specific hardware, including a neural processing unit (NPU) with at least 40 TOPS of power. This limits the availability of Recall to a small subset of users[2][5].

5. Default Activation

Recall is enabled by default on new Copilot+ PCs, which means users must actively disable it if they do not want to use the feature. This default setting could lead to uninformed users inadvertently compromising their privacy[3][8].

How to Disable Windows 11 Recall

If you decide that the potential risks of Windows Recall outweigh its benefits, you can disable the feature by following these steps:

1. Open Windows Settings: Press WIN+I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security: Select "Privacy & Security" from the sidebar.
3. Select Recall & Snapshots: Click on "Recall & Snapshots."
4. Toggle Save Snapshots Off: Turn off the "Save Snapshots" option.
5. Delete Existing Snapshots: Select "Delete Snapshots" and then "Delete All" to remove all previously saved data[5][6][14].

For users with administrative privileges, Recall can also be disabled using the Local Group Policy Editor:

1. Open Local Group Policy Editor: Type gpedit.msc in the Start menu and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Windows AI: Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI.
3. Disable Saving Snapshots: Double-click on "Turn off Saving Snapshots for Windows," select "Enabled," and click "OK"[9][10].

Conclusion

The Windows 11 Recall feature offers advantages in terms of productivity and ease of use, but it also presents notable privacy and security challenges. Users must weigh these pros and cons carefully and decide whether the benefits justify the potential risks. For those concerned about privacy, disabling the feature is a straightforward process that can help mitigate some of the associated risks.

Citations:
[1] https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/5-reasons-why-you-should-and-shouldnt-use-windows-recall-on-windows-11
[2] https://forums.stardock.com/528083/windows-11-24h2-controversial-new-recall-feature
[3] https://www.techradar.com/computing/computing-security/windows-recall-sounds-like-a-privacy-nightmare-heres-why-im-worried
[4] https://www.computerworld.com/article/2128281/microsoft-windows-recall-privacy.html
[5] https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/how-to-disable-windows-recall
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MultZVp1B0c
[7] https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/05/22/windows-recall-security-privacy/
[8] https://bgr.com/tech/how-to-disable-windows-11-recall-as-soon-as-microsoft-forces-it-on-you/
[9] https://www.elevenforum.com/t/enable-or-disable-recall-snapshots-in-windows-11.25460/
[10] https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/comments/1d1ef1q/registry_entries_to_disable_copilot_recall_feature/
[11] https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-11/302928/windows-11-recall-is-not-a-privacy-concern
[12] https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/microsofts-windows-recall-feature-is-attracting-controversy/
[13] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-do-i-opt-out-of-the-new-recall-ai-feature/e91fd3c5-71dd-4462-8bd4-59888403e4ec
[14] https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy-and-control-over-your-recall-experience-d404f672-7647-41e5-886c-a3c59680af15
[15] https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/comments/1d1fedu/what_do_you_think_about_windows_recalls_new/
[16] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-delete-recall-and-all-ai-permanently/2b55f3be-6b4c-4a05-bfb8-475497603efb