It’s not a bug, you actually CAN uninstall Windows Recall if you don’t want it

It's not a bug, you actually CAN uninstall Windows Recall if you don't want it

What you need to know

  • A few weeks ago, Microsoft issued a statement claiming the option to remove Recall from Windows 11 was appearing as just a bug, and that it would be fixed in a forthcoming update.
  • Turns out that’s not true, as Microsoft has today confirmed that you will in fact be able to remove Recall from the OS if you don’t want it.
  • Removing it will uninstall the app as a system component via the “Turn Windows features on and off” interface.

As a seasoned tech enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that Microsoft’s latest move regarding Windows Recall has left me both intrigued and relieved. After countless encounters with software updates that seemed more like invasive species than helpful tools, it’s refreshing to see a company listening to user feedback and making adjustments accordingly.


Microsoft is preparing to send out Windows Recall later this year to Copilot+ computers, and as part of this initiative, they’ve revealed the enhancements made to ensure Recall’s security and the data it gathers. These improvements include:

By default, the feature called “Recall” is now enabled, which implies users must actively opt-in to use it. If a user decides against it, “Recall” will remain inactive until explicitly activated at a later time. However, for those who have no plans to activate it, there’s some positive news: you can skip this feature altogether without any consequences.

Microsoft has clarified that Windows Recall can be uninstalled from your system if you prefer not to have it on your device. This is a change from their initial statement which suggested the removal option was merely a software glitch. However, it appears that this may not have been accurate, or Microsoft might have decided to alter its stance on the matter.

I recently had an opportunity to sit down with Microsoft’s VP of Enterprise and Security, David Weston to talk about Recall, and he had this to say about the setup and safety of Recall:

By design, users must give explicit consent during the Onboarding process to use [Recall]. Once they agree, its status is always evident and manageable, allowing them to pause, delete, or perform other fundamental functions. An extra feature we’ve included is the ability to eliminate it entirely if desired. It’s also important to note that users must be logged in with ‘Hello’ to activate this service, and there’s no way to enable it without their active presence.

To uninstall Windows Recall, navigate to the “Turn on or off Windows features” screen by using the search bar in Windows. When you find it, uncheck the option for “Recall” and hit OK. This action will delete the application along with its processes, but your system will need to be restarted afterwards.

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2024-09-27 20:12