In a rather low-key maneuver, Microsoft has updated its Windows 11 24H2 build, introducing a significant change: the ability to completely uninstall the Recall feature. This new option comes with patch KB5041865 and can be accessed through the Windows Optional Features Install/Uninstall window. Simply press Win+R, type optionalfeatures
, and hit Enter to make the adjustment.
Recall, originally showcased with the launch of Copilot Plus PCs—laptops equipped with AI coprocessors designed to handle machine learning tasks locally—was intended to act as a digital “memory” for users. It was heralded as a cornerstone of the private, on-premises AI experience. However, it quickly faced criticism over security and privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to rethink its approach.
Initially, Recall was enabled by default, with deactivation proving difficult. In response to these concerns, Microsoft decided to pause the feature to enhance its security and privacy measures. The decision to make Recall uninstallable rather than merely deactivatable may have been a precautionary step, ensuring that potential security risks were minimized by preventing unauthorized use of the feature.
After a period of silence, Microsoft has announced plans to reintroduce Recall, albeit initially to Windows Insiders. The company has implemented crucial updates aimed at addressing the previous security and privacy issues, though specific details remain scarce. Despite these efforts, the role of Recall as a pivotal element of the Copilot Plus PC experience appears to be permanently altered.