Microsoft Revives Recall Feature for Copilot+ PCs After Security Enhancements
Microsoft has re-enabled the Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs, a year after initially announcing the AI-infused Windows initiative. The Recall feature, which captures snapshots of the desktop to help users find lost documents or information, was previously put into beta due to security and privacy concerns.
Navjot Virk, Corporate Vice President of Windows Experiences, highlighted the success of Copilot+ PCs on Microsoft’s Windows blog, stating that they have seen the fastest adoption of a new category. However, the actual market share remains relatively low, with only 15% of premium-priced laptops in the U.S. being Copilot+ PCs during the holiday quarter.
The Recall feature works by taking regular snapshots of the desktop, storing them in a local database. Microsoft claims to have addressed previous security concerns by implementing Windows Hello sign-in, data encryption, and isolation. The feature is opt-in and can be completely removed if desired.
While some users may find Recall useful, others might prefer the improved Windows search mechanism, also powered by AI. This new search feature allows users to find files by describing them, rather than relying on exact file names. Unlike Recall, it doesn’t create a comprehensive desktop snapshot database, which some users might find more privacy-friendly.
The new Copilot+ AI features, including Recall and the enhanced search, are currently exclusive to PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors. AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V series chips are expected to be supported later this year.
For users without Copilot+ compatible hardware, these features will not be available, leaving them to rely on traditional file management methods.
