Nov 25, 2024 10:52:00

Testing of Windows 11's controversial 'Recall' feature finally begins

In May 2024, Microsoft announced the operation history search AI '

Recall ', but after receiving a series of concerns from the perspective of security and privacy, Microsoft decided not to include it in the release of Copilot+ PC on June 18, 2024. It was scheduled to be distributed on a trial basis from October 2024, but this was also postponed , and Microsoft declared that it would aim for a release in December 2024. Then, on November 22, 2024, Microsoft finally released a preview version of Recall for Windows Insiders.

Previewing Recall with Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs with Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel | Windows Insider Blog
https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2024/11/22/previewing-recall-with-click-to-do-on-copilot-pcs-with-windows-insiders-in-the-dev-channel/

You can now try Microsoft's Recall AI feature on a Copilot Plus PC - The Verge

https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/22/24302947/microsoft-recall-windows-insider-testing-dev-channel-click-to-do

On May 21, 2024, Microsoft announced a new product category called 'Copilot + PC' that integrates AI into PCs, and revealed that it will be equipped with 'Recall' as its main feature. Recall is a function that periodically takes screenshots of users' PC operations, scans them with optical character recognition (OCR), and stores them in a database so that users can check their operation history later.

Microsoft announces new AI feature 'Recall' for Windows 11, a powerful AI search function that records everything you see and do on your PC and allows you to search later - GIGAZINE

However, because Recall stores confidential information such as passwords and bank account numbers entered by users and there is a risk of information leakage due to hacking, the UK's data watchdog has launched an investigation , and discussions about the risk of Recall have been held around the world. In response, Microsoft announced that it would postpone the release of Recall and review its functionality.

After that, Microsoft announced security and privacy measures such as 'Recall-related information such as screenshots is always encrypted' and 'Encryption keys are protected by TPM and can only be operated in a special virtualization-based security space.' Microsoft announced that it will release Recall on a trial basis for Windows Insiders from October 2024.

Microsoft announces that the controversial 'Recall' feature will be available for Windows Insiders from October 2024 - GIGAZINE

Then, on November 22, 2024, Microsoft released 'Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415 (KB5046723)' for Windows Insiders. With this update, Recall is now available on Copilot+ PC.

Upon launching Recall, you will be presented with a first-run experience that asks you to opt-in to screenshot saving, asks you to enroll in Windows Hello , and requires BitLocker and Secure Boot to be enabled.

Once you've completed the initial setup, you can adjust how often screenshots are taken, pause them, and view detailed status information.

One of the features of Recall, 'Click to Do,' allows you to copy text in the screenshot you took to the clipboard, open the selected text in your favorite application, and more. You can also open the URL on the screenshot in a browser, send an email to a recognized email address, copy, save, share the image on the screenshot with other users, and open it in your favorite application. In addition, you can use the photo app to blur the background of the image or erase unwanted objects.

According to Microsoft, Recall automatically detects and does not take screenshots of sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords, and personal identification numbers. Microsoft also said, 'We are continuing to improve this feature. If you find any sensitive information that should be excluded depending on your language or region, please send us feedback.'

Microsoft said, 'We're excited to release the first preview of Recall to the Windows Insider community. Recall is a whole new way to safely search for what you've seen and done on your PC. Copilot+ PC's AI capabilities allow you to quickly find and trace back apps, websites, images, and documents simply by describing the content. Windows Insiders are encouraged to try Recall and share their feedback, problems, and suggestions for improvement via links within the experience.'

This preview version of Recall is only available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon processors, and will be 'coming soon' for Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel processors.