Ladies and gentlemen, the infamous Windows 11 Recall feature has re-entered the scene, and it’s as polarizing as ever. After being shelved following its controversial announcement in June earlier this year, Microsoft appears ready to give Recall another chance. However, there's a catch—this second chance is only available to a niche group, specifically, Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel who have Copilot+ PCs running Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered processors.
But, instead of merely reintroducing it, Microsoft has made some pivotal updates to address the feedback—and the fury—that Recall initially attracted. Let’s break it down.
But how does it do this magic? By taking "searchable snapshots" of your desktop at scheduled intervals. These snapshot files serve as a localized repository for retrieving saved content or identifying recent activity across your apps. Pretty cool, right?
However, herein lies the problem. When first announced, these automatic desktop snapshots raised alarming privacy and security concerns. Could Microsoft sneak a peek? Could hackers exploit them? Given how much sensitive information can reside on a desktop—credit card numbers, personal screenshots, confidential documents—the backlash was swift, especially from data-conscious users.
Why does this matter? This prevents unauthorized access, ensuring no one but you can peek into what Recall has stored.
Moreover, these snapshots will never be sent to Microsoft servers, third parties, or the Great Cloud Beyond. Microsoft has stressed that these snapshots remain locally encrypted and unshared, ensuring no one—not even Microsoft—has the keys to decrypt them apart from the local user.
For now, Click to Do operates exclusively within Recall but is expected to eventually integrate as a standard AI-powered feature in Windows itself.
If you’re a lucky Windows Insider with one of those Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, this might be the perfect opportunity to test the waters of Recall and Click to Do—but be mindful. Microsoft may have given security and transparency a big boost this time, but the recall (pun intended) of earlier controversies illustrates the fine line between convenience and trust.
Let us know on the forums—are you ready to embrace Recall 2.0, or would you rather Microsoft let this one fade into obscurity?
Source: Tom's Guide Microsoft's controversial Recall is back — but only if you're a Windows Insider
But, instead of merely reintroducing it, Microsoft has made some pivotal updates to address the feedback—and the fury—that Recall initially attracted. Let’s break it down.
What is the Recall Feature?
Recall, Microsoft’s brainchild, aims to make it easier to locate apps, documents, websites, and more on your PC using conversational language. Imagine typing, “Show me that spreadsheet from last week,” and voilà—there it is. It’s like having your very own search-and-rescue team for digital clutter.But how does it do this magic? By taking "searchable snapshots" of your desktop at scheduled intervals. These snapshot files serve as a localized repository for retrieving saved content or identifying recent activity across your apps. Pretty cool, right?
However, herein lies the problem. When first announced, these automatic desktop snapshots raised alarming privacy and security concerns. Could Microsoft sneak a peek? Could hackers exploit them? Given how much sensitive information can reside on a desktop—credit card numbers, personal screenshots, confidential documents—the backlash was swift, especially from data-conscious users.
What’s New in Recall 2.0?
The revamped version of Recall isn’t just a rehash. Microsoft has introduced several key updates to calm concerns, specifically revolving around privacy, security, and control:1. Biometric Authentication via Windows Hello
For Recall to function, users must authenticate themselves using Windows Hello, Microsoft’s biometric authentication system. Whether it’s a snazzy webcam that recognizes your face or your fingerprint scanner telling the PC, “Yeah, that’s definitely you,” Recall won’t even unlock without this step.Why does this matter? This prevents unauthorized access, ensuring no one but you can peek into what Recall has stored.
2. User-Controlled Snapshots
In version 2.0, Recall’s ability to take snapshots is now fully in your hands. Unlike before, where snapshots were captured automatically at intervals, users must enable and dictate their preferences. You, and only you, decide the when and where.Moreover, these snapshots will never be sent to Microsoft servers, third parties, or the Great Cloud Beyond. Microsoft has stressed that these snapshots remain locally encrypted and unshared, ensuring no one—not even Microsoft—has the keys to decrypt them apart from the local user.
3. Detection of Sensitive Information
Data security gets a boost in Recall 2.0. The tool now recognizes sensitive details—like credit card numbers, passwords, or other personal data—and ensures these are not saved in the first place. If sensitive information is detected during a snapshot attempt, the snapshot won’t be recorded. This added layer of intelligence reassures users that their personal tidbits won't linger on their hard drive unbeknownst to them.4. Click to Do: A New Feature Add-On
Microsoft has also rolled out a companion functionality dubbed "Click to Do." Think of it as Recall’s smarter little sibling. This feature allows you to interact with snapshot content for contextual actions—be it copying text, opening websites, sharing images, or using tools like background blurring or object-erasing in image editing.For now, Click to Do operates exclusively within Recall but is expected to eventually integrate as a standard AI-powered feature in Windows itself.
5. Known Bugs and Limitations
Let's not pop the champagne just yet—this is still a beta feature. During this preview phase, some hiccups include:- Incompatibility with unspecified accessibility applications.
- Snapshot previews experiencing lag (fixed after a reboot).
- Feedback reports encountering delays.
- Reliance on Secure Boot being enabled for really locking in those snapshots securely.
Who Gets to Test Recall Now?
Not everyone can dive into this revamped Recall just yet. The feature is limited to Windows Insiders signed up for the Dev Channel and owning devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus chipsets under the Copilot+ banner. A hefty and exclusive requirement, no doubt, but it reflects how Microsoft is testing this feature within a controlled pool of early adopters.How to Enable Recall and Click to Do
If you meet the requirements—and feel daring enough to join the Recall experiment—here’s how you can get started:- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
- Click "Get Started" to enroll, and link the registered account in the Windows Insider Program.
- Select the Dev Channel option.
- Reboot your PC to finalize the enrollment.
- Once rebooted, navigate to Settings > Windows Update again and check for updates.
- Download Build 26120.2415. A reboot will be needed once again to finish the installation.
The Lingering Question: Is Recall Safe Enough Now?
Despite Microsoft’s overhauled security promises, skepticism remains a persistent cloud over Recall’s viability. Critics may ask:- If the data is so well-protected and local, what protections are in place for malware on the device itself?
- What's the guarantee that this feature won’t evolve into something more invasive, despite Microsoft’s current assurances?
- For usability, does the feature justify the privacy risks it introduces?
Final Thoughts
The Recall saga speaks volumes about the push-pull nature of innovation and consumer trust. On the one hand, this feature could revolutionize how we retrieve information and navigate our increasingly complex digital lives. But on the other, privacy is not something to be taken lightly—especially in today’s climate of heightened cybersecurity awareness.If you’re a lucky Windows Insider with one of those Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, this might be the perfect opportunity to test the waters of Recall and Click to Do—but be mindful. Microsoft may have given security and transparency a big boost this time, but the recall (pun intended) of earlier controversies illustrates the fine line between convenience and trust.
Let us know on the forums—are you ready to embrace Recall 2.0, or would you rather Microsoft let this one fade into obscurity?
Source: Tom's Guide Microsoft's controversial Recall is back — but only if you're a Windows Insider
