Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Recall Feature on Windows 11 Copilot Plus Computers

Unlocking the Recall Feature on Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs

With the cutting-edge Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.2415, Microsoft rolls out the innovative Recall (Preview) feature, tailored for users of Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. This incredible tool allows you to effortlessly retrace your digital footsteps, quickly accessing previously viewed content through natural language queries. If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, this guide will help you activate and customize Recall to enhance your productivity. Let’s dive into a step-by-step walkthrough!

1. Getting Started with the Windows Insider Program

Before diving into Recall, ensure your Copilot+ PC meets certain prerequisites: Windows Hello authentication, BitLocker, and Secure Boot should be enabled. Through the following steps, you’ll enroll in the Insider Program and open up new features for your device:

Access the Settings app on your Copilot+ PC.
Select Windows Update from the menu on the left.

Click on the Windows Insider Program.

Select Get Started.
Link your Microsoft account or Microsoft Entra ID by clicking Link an account. Ensure this matches the account you use to log into your PC.
Review the terms and select Continue.
When prompted, choose the Dev Channel to access new features.
Restart your device by clicking Restart now upon completing the setup.

2. Installing the Latest Insider Preview Build

Once you’ve joined the Dev Channel, it’s essential to update your system to the latest Insider Preview Build to access the Recall feature. Here are your steps:

After your PC restarts, navigate back to the Settings app.
Select Windows Update.
Click on Check for updates to locate the latest Insider Preview Build.
When Build 26120.2415 appears, select Download and install.
Allow the update to finalize, then restart your PC if prompted.

3. Activating and Configuring the Recall Feature

After successfully updating, the Recall (Preview) app will manifest in your taskbar. Follow these steps to get started:

Click the Recall (preview) icon on the taskbar.

When prompted by the Recall setup window, toggle on Enable to allow snapshot saving.
Enroll in Windows Hello if you have not done so, using biometric methods or a PIN for authentication.
Ensure both BitLocker and Secure Boot are operational. Follow the on-screen guidance to activate them if needed.
Following setup, Recall will commence downloading necessary models in the background. You can track the progress under Settings > Windows Update.

4. Personalizing Your Recall Settings

Post-activation, you can tailor Recall’s settings to better align with your needs. Here’s how to manage snapshots, storage, and privacy configurations:

Open the Settings app again.
Locate and select Privacy & security from the left-hand menu.
Choose Recall & snapshots.

Toggle Save snapshots on or off according to your preference.

Utilize the Filters section to restrict specific applications or websites from being captured in snapshots. You can restrict apps by entering their executable names (e.g., chrome.exe) and websites by entering relevant URLs.
Adjust the storage capacity that Recall can utilize. Choose from predefined limits such as 25 GB, 50 GB, or 100 GB.
Set a snapshot retention duration, like 30, 60, or 90 days, after which older snapshots will delete automatically.
Activate the Sensitive information filtering option to prevent Recall from saving sensitive snapshots, including passwords and credit card information.

5. Searching and Retrieving Content with Recall

Once Recall is activated, you can easily search for previously viewed applications, websites, images, or documents. Here’s how to use Recall to its fullest:

Click the Recall icon in your taskbar to launch the app.
Use Windows Hello to authenticate and access your saved snapshots.
In the search bar, describe what you’re looking for, such as “kids school schedule” or “presentation from last week.”

Browse through the timeline for snapshots from specific dates and times.

Select a snapshot to open and retrieve what you need.
Utilize the Click to Do functionality within Recall to interact with text or images in your snapshots, like copying text, opening URLs, or conducting visual searches.

By enabling Recall on your Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, you gain a transformative tool that enhances your productivity and simplifies your workflow. With significant privacy controls and versatile settings, Recall helps you keep your data secure while ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

Additional Insights

1. What are the system requirements for enabling Recall?

To enable Recall on your Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, you must have Windows Hello authentication enabled, BitLocker, and Secure Boot. These features are crucial to ensuring the security and functionality of Recall.

2. How does the Recall feature impact my PC’s performance?

Though Recall does download and store data, it is designed to be efficient. You can customize the storage allocation and retention periods to manage how much space it uses, ensuring minimal impact on your overall system performance.

3. Can I disable Recall once it’s activated?

Absolutely! You can easily disable the Recall feature within the Settings app under Privacy & Security, by toggling off the Save snapshots option. This will stop Recall from capturing any future data.

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