Microsoft’s Copilot+ has been hailed as a groundbreaking advancement in laptop technology. However, a critical issue remains unresolved, casting doubt on its long-term viability. Without a solution, the idea of upgrading to new hardware becomes less appealing.
The Enticing Promise of Copilot+ PCs
Remarkable Speed and Efficiency
Copilot+ is marketed not merely as a faster laptop but as a true innovation, primarily due to its integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU).This chip can execute over 40 trillion operations per second, enabling the device to perform AI tasks autonomously without relying on cloud connectivity. Features such as natural-language search and instant on-screen actions benefit from this capability, resulting in an even snappier user experience.
Microsoft backs its claims with rigorous battery life and performance metrics. According to their tests, Copilot+ laptops can deliver up to 22 hours of offline video playback. Moreover, some models reportedly outperform Apple’s MacBook Air M4 by approximately 13%, while exceeding the M3 by up to 58%.Furthermore, enhancements in Microsoft Office can reportedly boost productivity by as much as 20% compared to M3 and up to 35% relative to the M2.
Microsoft demonstrated the capabilities of Copilot+ through live tasks on both older and newer systems. For instance, the search function allowed users to locate and relocate images approximately 70% faster. Similarly, the Click to Do feature completed object removal tasks about 55% quicker. Collectively, these benchmarks illustrate a remarkable enhancement in both longevity and speed without altering existing workflows. Yet, the aspect that Microsoft seemed to emphasize most was the innovative feature known as Recall.
A Closer Look at Windows Recall
The Smart Yet Concerning Recall Feature
Microsoft positions Recall as the cornerstone of the Copilot+ experience, and its intentions are immediately clear. Once activated, the feature regularly captures images of your screen, creating a scrollable timeline that serves as a visual log of your activities. This means that if you misplace a file, you don’t have to rely on its name or the specific application; a simple description often suffices for Recall to locate it.
In theory, Recall is designed with privacy in mind, as the snapshots remain on the device, encrypted and require Windows Hello (using facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN) for access. Users can also restrict certain applications or browsers and delete snapshots at will. However, the fundamental concern lies in the fact that Recall records continuously once turned on, unless paused or disabled.
Microsoft’s handling of Recall’s release added to the apprehension around this feature. Following privacy concerns, the company temporarily removed it in 2024 before relaunching it in 2025 with enhanced security measures, including stricter sign-in requirements. Although these adjustments enhance security, the original design still raises privacy concerns. For those who use their laptops for sensitive activities such as work, banking, or personal conversations, the constant recording can feel more like a liability than an asset.
Concerns Over Privacy and Storage
Privacy Issues That Cannot Be Ignored
My primary concern regarding Recall is its implications on privacy. Purchasing a laptop with a feature I might deactivate from the outset feels counterintuitive. While Microsoft claims snapshots remain local, encrypted, and secured by Windows Hello, once I log in, Recall remains accessible throughout the session. This poses risks; if malware infiltrates the system or if my account gets compromised, private conversations, financial data, and confidential documents could be inadvertently exposed.
Storage presents another significant challenge. On a 256 GB device, Recall uses roughly 25GB by default—nearly 10% of the total storage. This allocation is before factoring in installed applications or synchronized files. Additionally, the regular snapshot capturing can generate continuous write activity on the SSD. Although modern drives can endure substantial usage, Microsoft has yet to provide reassurance that Recall usage won’t diminish their longevity over time.
While there are some privacy controls, such as the option to block specific applications and exclude browsers, they only provide marginal relief. The core problem remains: once Recall is activated, it records automatically unless reconfigured, placing the onus on users to manage their privacy actively. A feature intended to enhance efficiency should not complicate the user experience in the name of safety.
Improvements Needed for Copilot+ Laptops
Major Issues That Require Attention
While I acknowledge the potential of Recall, I remain hesitant to invest in a Copilot+ laptop without addressing several critical concerns. First, the feature must allow users to determine what to record and when. An allow-list feature would empower users to specify which applications and activities to capture rather than relying on the ineffectiveness of exclusionary methods.
Secondly, better storage management is essential. Although Recall already deletes older snapshots when space is limited, it needs clearer storage limits by default, as well as enhanced controls over usage. Moreover, the ability to separate work-related and personal snapshots would instill greater confidence in using the feature without the risk of one affecting the other.
Lastly, incorporating an easy-to-access pause button would be advantageous. This would allow the recording to be halted instantaneously when engaging with sensitive applications, such as for banking tasks or personal discussions, only to resume when convenient. This level of control is necessary to foster a sense of safety around the feature.
No Upgrades Until Concerns Are Addressed
Most importantly, Microsoft must establish trust regarding its privacy assurances. Users need comprehensive guarantees that all snapshots will remain on their devices and that no data will be transferred elsewhere. Regular transparency reports detailing how user data is handled, alongside independent audits, would significantly enhance trust in these promises.
Until these modifications are enacted, Recall appears more as a risk than a compelling reason to upgrade to a Copilot+ laptop. As it stands, these devices fall short of meeting the needs of average users, a fact that will keep me firmly on the sidelines for now.
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