Microsoft has postponed the rollout of its Recall feature for Copilot Plus PCs yet again. Initially set for testing with Windows Insiders in October, Recall is now expected to be previewed by December. This delay marks Microsoft's latest attempt to refine and address security concerns around the feature, which records screenshots of nearly everything you do on a Copilot Plus PC, providing users with a searchable activity timeline.
A commitment to secure, trusted features
Microsoft has faced considerable scrutiny over Recall's functionality, designed to create snapshots of what's displayed on a user's screen on Copilot Plus PCs. The Recall feature aims to assist users by capturing their screen activity, allowing them to retrieve and review what they've worked on through a timeline that displays the specific actions taken on any given day.
To address ongoing privacy concerns, Microsoft's senior product manager for Windows, Brandon LeBlanc, released a statement explaining the delay. “We are committed to delivering a secure and trusted experience with Recall. To ensure we deliver on these important updates, we're taking additional time to refine the experience before previewing it with Windows Insiders,” LeBlanc stated.
This dedication to security follows multiple delays in the feature's release. Recall was originally intended for a June debut but was pushed back due to heightened privacy concerns. Microsoft rescheduled it for an October testing phase with Windows Insiders, only to postpone it to December.
Strengthening security and privacy features
The continuous delays in Recall's launch are primarily attributed to Microsoft's efforts to reinforce the feature's security measures. Microsoft has overhauled Recall to ensure that it is an entirely optional feature on Copilot Plus PCs, allowing users the choice to enable or remove it. Additionally, the software giant has worked to implement robust data protection, encrypting the Recall database and requiring Windows Hello authentication to access stored information. These efforts aim to assure users that their captured data is secure and accessible only to them.
Recall leverages local AI models built into Windows 11 on Copilot Plus PCs, allowing users to search for past activities effortlessly. With the option to scroll through past actions, the feature promises to offer a convenient way for users to track their digital activities in a detailed and secure way.
Microsoft confirmed earlier this week that Recall will not be a mandatory feature on Copilot Plus PCs, reassuring users that it remains an entirely opt-in experience that can be uninstalled. This announcement comes amid speculation and misinformation suggesting that Recall was automatically installed on all PCs with Windows 11, version 24H2.
Responding to community concerns
The recent discussions surrounding Recall highlight Microsoft's struggle to control public perception of the feature. References to Recall in Windows 11, version 24H2, triggered a wave of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) within the tech community, with YouTube videos and online discussions spreading concerns about forced installation. Microsoft's swift removal of Recall from the summer update also contributed to some glitches, making the feature appear intermittently on some systems.
In response to these concerns, Microsoft has clarified that Recall is optional, allowing Copilot Plus PC users to decide whether to use it. By addressing the FUD and taking time to enhance security, Microsoft is hoping to foster trust in Recall as an effective productivity tool rather than a cause for concern.
With December set as the new target, Microsoft is taking additional measures to ensure the feature is ready for launch. For now, Recall will remain in development, with the Windows Insider preview release expected before the end of the year. This final phase will enable Microsoft to test Recall in a controlled setting before making it available more widely.
