How to Disable Recall Feature (AI Timeline) in Windows 11

Key Notes

  • Easily disable Recall through Settings, Group Policy, or Registry Editor.
  • Ensure to delete existing snapshots if desired.
  • Consider privacy concerns when using AI features.

Your Comprehensive Guide to Disabling the Recall Feature on Windows 11

The Recall feature in Windows 11 offers innovative ways to access your previously used documents and applications. However, privacy concerns may lead some users to prefer disabling it. This guide presents multiple methods to deactivate the Recall function effectively, tailored to your needs.

Step 1: Completely Disable the Recall Feature on Windows 11

To turn off Recall on Windows 11, follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings on your Windows 11 device.
  2. Select Privacy & security.
  3. Access the Recall & snapshots section.
  4. Toggle off the “Save snapshots” option.
  5. (Optional) If you wish to remove previous data, select the Delete snapshots option.
  6. Click on the Delete all button to clear stored snapshots.

After following these steps, the Recall feature will be disabled, preventing any further capture of your activities.

If you prefer a temporary solution, simply click the “Recall” icon on the Taskbar and select “Pause until tomorrow”.

Step 2: Turn Off Recall AI via the Registry

To disable Recall through the Registry Editor, follow these steps:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Type regedit in the search bar and select the top result.
  3. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI
  4. Right-click on the WindowsAI key, choose New, and select “DWORD (32-bit) Value”.
  5. Name the new key AllowRecallEnablement and press Enter.
  6. Double-click the new key and set its value to 0.
  7. Click OK and restart your computer.

Upon completing these steps, Recall will be disabled system-wide for all users.

Step 3: Deactivate Recall AI Using Group Policy

If you are using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, follow these steps to turn off Recall via the Group Policy Editor:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for gpedit and select the first result.
  3. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI
  4. Right-click on the “Allow Recall to be enabled” setting and select Edit.
  5. Select Disabled.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

Once these steps are complete, the Recall feature will be disabled. Remember to restart your PC to finalize these changes.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure to back up the Registry before making any changes.
  • Be cautious when modifying Group Policy settings to avoid unintended changes.
  • Consider privacy implications when using AI features.

Summary

Disabling the Recall feature in Windows 11 can enhance your privacy and mitigate concerns related to data usage and AI processing. This guide covered the essential steps to fully deactivate Recall through Settings, the Registry Editor, and Group Policy, catering to different user preferences and system environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, disabling the Recall feature addressing security concerns is straightforward with the methods outlined above. Regardless of your choice, ensuring you maintain control over your data is essential in today’s technological landscape. Take action based on your comfort level and enjoy a personalized Windows 11 experience.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What happens if I disable the Recall feature?

Disabling the Recall feature will stop your device from capturing and storing snapshots of your usage activities.

Can I reactivate Recall after disabling it?

Yes, you can follow the same steps to reactivate the Recall feature at any time.