Microsoft Launches Public Preview of Recall for Copilot+ PCs
Microsoft is set to unfold a public preview of its much-anticipated AI feature, Recall, designed for Copilot+ PCs. Originally slated for a June release, the launch was postponed due to privacy concerns and media scrutiny, prompting the company to invest additional time in enhancing Recall. Now, it’s time for Windows Insiders to experience Recall and its innovative companion feature, Click to Do.
Getting Started with Recall
The Recall feature is currently accessible to insiders who own Copilot+ PCs. To activate this feature, users will need to update their Snapdragon-powered devices to the new Windows 11 Dev build 26120.2415 preview. Post-update, Windows 11 will automatically download the essential components for both Recall and the newly launched Click to Do.
Privacy and Security Features
In an effort to protect user privacy and ensure data integrity, Microsoft has implemented several robust security features within Recall. Notably, Recall is incompatible with non-Copilot+ PCs, requiring both Windows Hello and Secure Boot for functionality. Users will have the option to save snapshots of their work, allowing them to retrace their steps or search for specific content later. However, it’s worth noting that Recall will consume a substantial portion of your system drive, which could pose challenges for entry-level Copilot+ PCs.
Customizing Your Experience
While Microsoft assures users that all snapshots remain within the local system and are not utilized for AI training, some users may prefer to exclude certain applications or websites from Recall’s data capture. This can be managed through the Settings app, where users are also encouraged to anonymously report any apps or websites to improve Recall’s capabilities and privacy measures. Microsoft emphasizes that sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details will not be captured by Recall.
Important Considerations for Users
It is crucial to note that disabling Windows Hello or resetting your system will permanently erase all saved snapshots. Microsoft will not be able to assist in recovering this data due to the absence of access or decryption keys. However, the company has announced a future update that will enable users to back up decryption keys, a significant enhancement for data security.
Anticipating Future Updates and Compatibility
As a Windows Insider, it’s important to remain aware that testing pre-release software may lead to changes in Recall that could involve snapshot deletions or necessitate resets. Users should also be on the lookout for known bugs in the current version, which can be reviewed in detail on Microsoft’s official channels.
Recall is presently available for Windows Insiders using Snapdragon X processor-based Copilot+ PCs, with plans to extend compatibility to AMD and Intel versions in the near future. However, a specific rollout date has not yet been confirmed. Additionally, Recall currently supports only a select number of languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Chinese.
Recap on Installation and Uninstallation
While Recall is initially disabled, users have the option to completely uninstall it. During the testing phase, Recall’s binaries will be cached on the system drive; however, forthcoming updates are expected to allow users to remove these entirely.
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