Microsoft is struggling to get Windows Recall out the door — delays releasing first public preview

Microsoft is struggling to get Windows Recall out the door — delays releasing first public preview

What you need to know

  • Microsoft has announced a further delay for its controversial Windows Recall feature.
  • Expected to be released in preview this month, the company now says to expect the first preview by December.
  • The feature was originally supposed to launch alongside Copilot+ PCs in June.

As a seasoned observer with a keen eye for tech developments, I must admit that watching Microsoft’s journey with Windows Recall feels like waiting for a friend who’s always running late. It was initially promised to us in June, then delayed until October, and now we’re looking at December. This is starting to feel more like a game of “Whack-a-Mole” than software development!


Following numerous anticipations surrounding the public beta testing of Windows Recall, the corporation has disclosed a fresh delay. Initially pledging to release the initial Windows Recall preview builds in October, they’ve now revised this timeline, suggesting that it may take until December for the feature to become available.

In a statement to The Verge, Microsoft said the following:

“We are committed to delivering a secure and trusted experience with Recall. To ensure we deliver on these important updates, we’re taking additional time to refine the experience before previewing it with Windows Insiders. Originally planned for October, Recall will now be available for preview with Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs by December.” Why Microsoft left it until the very last minute in October to confirm this delay is anyone’s guess.

It’s uncertain why the release of this feature keeps getting pushed back, but it seems they are focusing on making sure the enhanced security features they promised are fully ready before proceeding. As Windows Recall’s encryption is highly anticipated by cybersecurity experts, Microsoft wants a bit more time to guarantee its maximum security level.

Initially planned for release together with Copilot+ PCs on June 18, Windows Recall encountered a delay due to concerns about its security when it came to storing data locally on devices. Now, four months past the intended launch date, Microsoft is finding it challenging to release even an initial preview of the feature.

Starting from June, Microsoft has assured that when the Windows Recall rolls out, it will provide a secure environment. The data gathered will be encrypted, and the use of the Recall app will demand that Windows Hello authentication is activated prior to accessing any Recall information. Users also have the option to block specific apps and websites, and this feature will automatically screen out sensitive details such as passwords and national identifications.

In a few months, we’ll start seeing the initial previews of Recall. However, it seems that Recall may not be available outside the Insider Program until around 2025. As for when AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs will get Windows Recall, the timeline is currently uncertain. Originally, Microsoft planned to launch the Recall preview on Snapdragon X devices in November, but due to delays, it’s unclear if all Copilot+ platforms will gain access at the same time.

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2024-10-31 22:08