Microsoft plans to revamp Recall in Windows 11 with these new features

In the realm of Windows 11, Microsoft is actively enhancing the functionality of the Windows Recall feature, with more improvements on the horizon as they progress in their development of novel features and modifications.

In the latest preliminary versions of our software, we’ve observed modifications to the Recall app. These updates include a revamped Home page that streamlines user interaction with your snapshots, the capability to export data for collaboration with external apps and online platforms, and an additional setting to completely refresh the AI functionality.

It’s important to mention that these advancements can be experienced right now via the Windows Insider Program on Copilot+ computers, but as of now, it is uncertain when they will be accessible to all users.

Here, I will detail the major updates Microsoft has been developing for Recall on Windows 11.

Windows Recall new features coming soon

Microsoft intends to roll out at least three significant updates for its AI functionality. These updates encompass a fresh Home interface, a restore feature, and a tool that allows you to save your daily activities.

Home page

In the Recall application, the team is planning to revamp the user interface by introducing a fresh, left-aligned navigation panel, which is similar to what’s commonly found in contemporary apps.

The panel enables you to toggle between the timeline and the fresh homepage. Towards the bottom, you’ll find the options for accessing the settings menu as well.

Afterward, you will notice a freshly designed “‘Home’” page that shares similarities with the layout commonly seen on the New Tab pages within popular web browsers.

At the outset, the application displays a friendly salutation along with today’s date. However, the most crucial feature might be the search box, powered by AI, designed to assist you in discovering events within your schedule.

Further down, the Homepage gathers your latest activities and frequently accessed content for quicker navigation and accessibility.

In the section labeled “‘Latest Screengrabs’“, you can find the most recent screen captures. Clicking on this card will redirect you to the “‘Timeline’” page. But if you tap the icon for a specific screengrab, it will launch the related app instead.

Alternatively, you have the option to right-click on a screenshot, from there you can either duplicate or remove specific or all of the saved screenshots for a given application. A preview will be shown, and you’ll need to verify it before the deletion is finalized.

Following the removal, there will be a prompt asking if you wish to include the app on the exception list within Recall settings.

In this context, the option for snapshots seems to be visible solely within the “Recent Snapshots” category, rather than in the other groups.

As a devoted user, I’m thrilled about an added feature that intelligently organizes my favorite apps and sites onto a single page. Each digital card represents a different app, and upon clicking one, I’m whisked away to another screen filled with screenshots specific to that application.

To wrap up these enhancements, the app will offer helpful suggestions to guide users in navigating the platform more effectively.

Data export

Microsoft is developing a function that enables European users to transfer their data from Windows Recall to other platforms and sites, as required. This action is taken by the company to adhere to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) of the European Economic Area (EEA).

Upon initial installation of Windows Recall on your device, a distinct code will be provided for exporting your data from the newly accessible “Advanced settings” section, located within the “Recall & snapshots” page.

Because Recall data is encrypted, a distinct code functions as the key to access the saved snapshots on your device, enabling their use by other applications and online platforms. Microsoft emphasizes that they do not save the export code in any location, meaning there’s no option to recover it if you misplace it.

To obtain a new export code, you’ll have to restart the feature entirely, effectively erasing all data associated with it such as snapshots, settings, and Windows Recall-related information. In simpler terms, you’ll need to wipe the slate clean and begin anew when requesting a fresh export code.

As an analyst, I would advise you to access the Advanced Settings of the Recall & Snapshots feature if you find it necessary. You can do this by navigating through your Settings, Privacy & Security section. Please note that this particular page is newly introduced for a more streamlined user experience.

The page offers two options, including “Export past snapshots” and “Export snapshots from now on.”

The initial choice is to move your data from the past week, the previous month, or every single snapshot you have. Conversely, the second option will keep exporting snapshots from the moment you activate it.

From my perspective as a dedicated user, I’ve learned that this fantastic company ensures secure data handling by encoding the snapshots of the feature before transfer. To access and use these encrypted snapshots across various applications or platforms, you’ll need to enter the export code provided, which will subsequently decrypt the data for your convenience.

In addition, commercial clients have the ability to handle export functions through the latest “‘Enable Data Export’” policy. By default, Microsoft will prevent data export on managed devices, allowing only the end-users to start the process.

Feature reset

Ultimately, Microsoft is introducing a way to fully reset the Windows Snapshot feature, encompassing both snapshots and settings. Once this reset is completed, the system will automatically disable the feature until you choose to activate it again.

To bring the feature back to its original state, navigate to “Settings“, then choose “Privacy & Security“. Next, select “Memory & Camera Settings“, followed by “Advanced Settings“. In the new window, click on the “Reset Recall Memory” button and confirm the action.

You might find this feature useful when solving issues, but if you test it out and find it doesn’t suit your needs, you can always choose to disable it instead.

Other changes

As I stand by, observing the ongoing developments, it’s clear that Microsoft is not only enhancing capabilities but also making subtle adjustments. To illustrate, the default storage retention for snapshots has been trimmed down from being limitless to 90 days now.

Furthermore, the company is constantly enhancing its AI functions for the Click to Do feature, accessible not only within the Recall app but also from external sources as well.

Initially, by clicking on it, users will acquire the ability to request help from the “Microsoft 365 Copilot Assistant”. With this capability, they can directly forward chosen text and images captured as snapshots to their Microsoft 365 Copilot service. This functionality is specifically designed for organizations that have subscribed to a Microsoft 365 Copilot business plan.

Additionally, the organization is developing two more strategies to enhance the use of Microsoft Teams alongside Click to Do. These strategies involve options such as “Sending a Message via Teams” and “Scheduling a Meeting using Teams.

What other changes would you like to see on Windows Recall? Let me know in the comments.

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2025-07-05 15:09