What is Windows Recall? Know How it works and How to Turn it off?

Microsoft is looking to boost your PC's functionality with a new feature called Windows Recall. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? This article dives into Windows Recall, explaining its purpose, functionality, and how to disable it if you prefer more privacy control.

What is Windows Recall?

Windows Recall is an upcoming feature exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. It's designed to act as a sort of "photographic memory" for your computer, helping you easily find things you've seen on your screen.

How Does Windows Recall Work?

Windows Recall periodically takes "snapshots" of your screen. These snapshots capture the content you're viewing, but not audio or continuous video.

You can then search through these snapshots using natural language. For example, if you remember seeing a news article about a specific topic but can't recall the website, you could search your snapshots for relevant keywords.

Benefits of Windows Recall:

Enhanced Search: Quickly find past information you've seen on your PC without manually searching your browsing history or files.

Improved Productivity: Recall can help you rediscover content you might have otherwise forgotten, saving you time and effort.

Convenience: The natural language search makes finding specific information within snapshots intuitive and user-friendly.

What are the Concerns Regarding Windows Recall?

While Windows Recall offers potential benefits, some users might have privacy concerns about the automatic capture of screenshots.  Here's the good news:

Control Over Snapshots: Microsoft prioritizes user control. You can easily disable saving snapshots entirely, delete existing snapshots, or filter which applications are captured.

No Cloud Storage: Snapshots are stored locally on your device, not uploaded to the cloud or shared with Microsoft.

How to Turn Off Windows Recall?

If you'd prefer to disable Windows Recall, here's how:

Open Windows Settings (WIN+I).

Navigate to "Privacy & Security."

Select "Recall & snapshots."

Toggle off "Save Snapshots."

(Optional) To delete existing snapshots, click "Delete All."

Windows Recall is still in its preview stage, and Microsoft may refine its functionalities based on user feedback. Whether you choose to embrace it or disable it, understanding Windows Recall empowers you to personalise your PC experience and optimize your workflow.