Controversial Windows Recall feature will be uninstallable, or so it seems

What you need to know

The most recent optional update for Windows 11 includes the option to remove Windows Recall from a PC.
Windows Recall is a feature that uses AI to take snapshots of what appears on your screen, allowing anything you do on your PC to be searchable.
The feature drew criticism for privacy and security concerns, which led to Microsoft delaying the release of Recall.
Microsoft plans to start testing Recall among Windows Insiders beginning in October 2024.

As a long-time Windows user with a keen eye for privacy and security, I am thrilled to hear that Microsoft is finally giving us the option to uninstall Windows Recall from our PCs. This move shows a clear understanding of user concerns and a commitment to respecting our digital autonomy.

Following a brief pause in communication regarding its advanced AI-driven tool, Windows Recall, Microsoft has revealed its intentions to trial this feature with Windows Insiders. However, an intriguing detail that Microsoft has been less forthcoming about is the possibility of users uninstalling Windows Recall from Windows 11. This goes beyond simply disabling the feature and could significantly alleviate privacy and security concerns.

According to Deskmodder’s findings, the latest optional update for Windows 11 (KB5041865) now allows users to completely uninstall Windows Recall. Earlier versions only permitted disabling it, not removing it. It should be noted that Deskmodder is based in the European Union, so it’s possible that this option to remove Recall might not be available everywhere. The EU has played a role in enabling Windows users to uninstall OneDrive, Edge, and Bing, but there are situations where features are exclusive to the EU.

Recalling the recall of Windows Recall

Controversial Windows Recall feature will be uninstallable, or so it seems

When Microsoft introduced Windows Recall, it was intended as a premier AI tool demonstrating Microsoft’s capabilities. However, instead of praise, Recall received criticism. The primary reason for this reaction was the security issue that arose when the feature stored data without encryption, which ultimately led to Microsoft postponing its launch. Additionally, privacy concerns were voiced by numerous individuals as well.

Microsoft unveiled various strategies to enhance the security and efficiency of Recall, with these changes slated for implementation over time. Originally intended for launch in June, Recall’s debut has been postponed by Microsoft. The company revealed that they aim to trial Recall among Windows Insiders from October onwards, prior to a wider rollout.

2024-08-29 19:39

What you need to know

Recalling the recall of Windows Recall

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