Microsoft recently announced on its Windows blog that it has implemented several changes to the Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, with a strong emphasis on security.
Recall’s Purpose and Initial Reaction
The Recall feature is designed to create and store screenshots of user actions, allowing users to search for past images through AI indexing. For example, if someone saw a funny picture a week ago but can’t locate it, they can describe it, and Recall will assist in finding it. This idea initially faced negative feedback from many Windows users, leading Microsoft to promise a significant rework, particularly focusing on security, before releasing any preliminary testing versions. We’ll keep you updated as this feature evolves.
Enhanced Security Measures
Recall comes with strict system requirements and works only on Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11 with security features like BitLocker Device Encryption, TPM 2.0, Virtualization-Based Code Integrity Protection, Measured Boot, System Guard, and Kernel DMA Protection. By default, Recall is disabled, and users must interact with the setup prompt to enable it. If they decline, the feature remains inactive but is not removed from the computer. Users can also choose to uninstall Recall at any time from the “Additional features” menu.
All images and associated information are encrypted in a vector database, secured with TPM-protected encryption keys. Access is controlled through Virtualization-based Security Enclave (VBS Enclave), ensuring that no unauthorized user can access another’s data, even on shared machines. The data is tied to Windows Hello sign-in, making it highly secure.
User Control and Future Plans
Users have control over Recall’s functionality, including the ability to specify sites that should be protected from screenshots or documents and bank card numbers that Recall cannot capture. The feature does not operate in private browsing modes by default. Microsoft Purview tools add another layer of privacy, and users can determine how long Recall retains images, manage storage space, and even delete images within a specific date range, adds NIX Solutions.
After investing six months in reworking the Recall feature, Microsoft aims to roll it out to participants in the Windows preview testing program in October. Following this, the company will decide on a broader release. We’ll keep you updated on the rollout and any further developments regarding Recall.