Microsoft Announces Uninstallation of Windows Recall Feature on Copilot+ PCs

Key Information About Windows Recall

• The Windows Recall feature will be removable through the ‘Windows features’ interface.
• Confirmations from Microsoft’s VP of Enterprise and Security indicate users can remove Recall entirely from their Copilot+ PCs.
• Initially, Microsoft described the appearance of Windows Recall within ‘Windows Features’ as a bug, but this is no longer the case.

In response to the criticism regarding the implementation of Windows Recall, Microsoft has issued several conflicting statements about its forthcoming Windows AI feature. However, the latest news indicates that Windows will allow the uninstallation of Recall.

Yes, that’s correct! Microsoft is enabling users to completely uninstall Windows Recall from Copilot+ PCs. This can be done through the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ dialog.

To uninstall, simply uncheck ‘Recall’ in the “Turn Windows features on and off” window, click ‘OK’, and restart your computer.

This marks the second time Microsoft has retracted previous claims about the uninstallability of Windows Recall. A few weeks prior, when Windows Recall appeared in the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ section, senior product manager Brandon Leblanc stated that this feature listing was ‘a bug’ that would be corrected in an upcoming update.

Now, Microsoft’s VP of Enterprise and Security, David Weston, has clarified:

“By default, users need to opt-in during the OOBE experience to access [Recall]. If you don’t opt-in, it’s always visually clear that it’s on and under your control, allowing the pausing or deleting of it as needed. Additionally, we’ve added the option to completely remove [Recall] if you choose. It’s important to note that to enable it, the user must be logged in with Hello; there’s no way to activate it without user presence.”

It seems that Microsoft’s earlier assertion about Windows Recall present in the ‘Windows features’ being a glitch applied only to that particular build. In subsequent stable builds, the option to uninstall Windows Recall will indeed be available.

Following the backlash, Microsoft has enacted various changes to Windows Recall, notably making it an opt-in feature. Users will have a clear visual indication whenever Recall is active, and they can pause or disable it at their discretion, as well as completely remove it from their Copilot+ PC.

We anticipate that this will be the final instance of Microsoft issuing contradictory statements regarding Windows Recall’s uninstall ability. For now, we must take Microsoft’s assurances with measured skepticism, as until Windows Recall is fully implemented, its future remains uncertain. At least, there’s promise of alleviating the security concerns posed by Windows Recall.

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