How to Remove Recall AI in Windows 11: Microsoft Confirms New Feature

Microsoft is set to roll out the highly anticipated Recall AI feature in Windows 11 within the next few weeks. Fortunately, users will have the option to remove this feature, as confirmed by Microsoft. Testing conducted by Windows Latest has identified a toggle that allows users to disable Recall.

Recall was the standout feature showcased at this year’s Microsoft Build event in June. This innovative tool records your screen actions and organizes them into a timeline, enabling you to revisit past activities and locate information you’ve forgotten.

It’s important to note that Recall tracks everything, including passwords; however, its launch faced obstacles due to privacy and security concerns, prompting Microsoft to retract the feature temporarily.

Recall is expected to make a comeback this month (October 2024) with numerous enhancements focusing on privacy and security. Notably, a significant update allows users to uninstall Recall at their discretion. This development was hinted at in leaks a few weeks prior, and the uninstall option has now been integrated into the Windows 11 24H2 preview builds.

Windows Latest successfully located the Recall feature within the Windows Features list. We tested it on a virtual machine, and these steps will similarly apply for Copilot+ PCs. Here’s a guide on how to uninstall Windows Recall:

How to Uninstall Windows Recall AI

1. Press the Win key, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter to access the Control Panel.
   
2. Select the Turn optional features on or off option.
   
3. Scroll down and uncheck the box next to the Recall option. Then click OK.
   
4. Windows will proceed to remove the feature from your PC.

Key Changes Implemented in Recall

Recall will now function as an opt-in feature, allowing users to bypass it during the setup of their Copilot+ PC. If it’s not needed, users can simply skip this option just like other suggested features during the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup process.

For those planning to use Recall, Microsoft has enhanced user control over the data it captures. Users can set a specific size limitation for the captured snapshots, ensuring that all data storage occurs locally.

Additionally, several privacy features focused on browser use have been introduced. Recall will not save any snapshots when operating a browser in private mode. Furthermore, sensitive personal information such as payment card details will be excluded, and users can filter out specific applications or websites from being recorded.

Microsoft has also addressed previous encryption vulnerabilities in Recall; now, all screenshots generated by the feature are encrypted. The company has detailed its comprehensive security architecture and mechanisms, which will be implemented once Recall is re-released.

Lastly, users can monitor Recall’s activity by checking for its icon in the system tray.

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