Microsoft is rolling out Recall to Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs via an optional update

[harlan4096]

Microsoft is one step closer to bringing Recall to Windows 11. The controversial feature is currently being rolled out as part of a non-security preview update, KB5055627.

Recall acts as an assistant for users who wish to find specific information of their past activities, by searching for things using natural language. The tool captures snapshots of the screen frequently, and the AI analyzes the content and stores the data in a searchable database. Microsoft backed out of its plans to release the automatic-snapshot capturing tool for Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs in June last year, when it was called out by experts for the privacy and security risks it posed to users.

In September 2024, Microsoft revealed that it had improved Recall and that it would be opt-in, and offered better privacy, because it now requires users to authenticate via Windows Hello. Earlier this month, information about the AI-powered tool resurfaced when Microsoft published the change-log for a Release Preview Build 26100.3902. It is still in preview for Copilot+ PCs, and was expected to remain so for a while.

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