- Recall automatically captures screenshots and enables smart searches in Windows 11.
- Privacy and control over the data collected by Recall are key for users.
- Microsoft allows you to disable Recall both from the graphical options and from commands.
You do not know How to enable or disable Recall in Windows 11 step by step?In recent times, discussions around privacy and data security in Windows have become increasingly popular. All of this has a lot to do with the emergence of a function called Recall in Windows 11, which has caused a real stir both in the technological world and among users concerned about the management of their personal information. You've surely come across references to the topic, and you've even heard that it works as a kind of digital memory that records, almost without you realizing it, everything you see and do on your computer. Should you be worried? The key is to fully understand how it works, what it entails, and, above all, how you can control its activation or deactivation.
In this article, I'm going to tell you in great detail What is Recall in Windows 11, what is it for?, the background to the controversy over privacy issues, how you can find out if you have it on your device, and most importantly, the specific step-by-step process to activate or deactivate it. You'll also discover the technical requirements necessary and how companies can centrally manage them if you're an administrator. You'll fully understand the pros and cons of this feature and make informed decisions.
What is Recall in Windows 11 and what is it for?
The function Recall, powered by Microsoft and integrated into teams with Copilot+, is based on artificial intelligence technology to automatically capture periodic screenshots of the screen while using your computer. Recall aims to offer you a quick and easy way to go back and find information you saw at some point, even if you don't remember exactly when or where you looked it up.
The surprising thing (and at the same time disturbing for many) is that it does not limit itself to recording the websites you visit or the documents you open, but it also takes automatic screenshots of everything displayed on the monitor. These images are stored, are processed locally and then you can use them to make natural language searches, asking, for example, to show you “the presentation you opened last Tuesday” or “the recipe site you visited a week ago.”
This system is designed to make your digital life easier and never lose sight of anything you've done on your team. However, its ability to gather so much information generates serious concerns about privacy and the possible misuse of sensitive data.
Why has Recall generated so much controversy?
The controversy surrounding Windows Recall did not arise out of nowhere. The debate over whether such a feature constitutes a useful progress or a threat to privacy It has become increasingly controversial among both private users and companies and government agencies. These are the main reasons behind the dispute:
- Volume and type of information collected: Recall stores visual captures that may include highly sensitive data such as passwords, card numbers, credentials, or even medical information.
- Consent and transparencyMany users are completely unaware of the existence of Recall, how it works, and the fact that it may be enabled by default in certain versions or on newer devices.
- Seguridad de los datos: Although Microsoft claims that all processing is local, the fear of unauthorized access (e.g., through malware or administrator accounts) is real.
- Difficulty uninstalling: Disabling Recall is not always easy, and in some cases (individual vs. managed devices) it may not be possible to remove it completely.
In the face of criticism, Microsoft has revised how this feature is deployed. Although its general release was planned for June 18, 2024, on Copilot+ devices, its availability was ultimately limited to the Windows Insider Program, delaying its implementation to improve security and privacy.
How does Recall work and what configuration options does it offer?
In practice, Recall performs automatic screenshots at regular intervals every time it detects changes in what is displayed. These images are saved on the local disk and, according to Microsoft, You are never They don't travel to the cloud or external servers. An AI engine analyzes these screenshots, indexing text and images, allowing you to search later using natural language phrases, without needing to remember exactly where or when you viewed the information. How Recall works in Windows 11.
Recall not only records activity in the browser, but also programs, chats, images, application access…virtually everything that appears on the screen. The privacy In its operation it is assumed that it is guaranteed by encryption and protection by Windows Hello (biometric identification), although there are doubts about whether the protection is sufficient.
Su configuration is flexible On personal devices (not company-managed ones). You can decide whether to enable Recall, how much storage space to allocate to screenshots, and how long to retain those images before they're automatically deleted. You can also filter out apps and websites that shouldn't be captured.
How do you know if your PC has Recall installed?
One of the aspects that generates the most doubts is the actual recall availability on each computer. Not all versions of Windows 11 or all computers include this feature. To check, follow these steps:
- Balance Win + I to open Windows settings.
- Sign in System and then in Information. There you can see the exact version of Windows installed. Recall is only available starting with version 24H2 and on certain devices with compatible hardware (Copilot+ PC).
- If you have 24H2, check if Recall is enabled. Right-click the Start button, select "Command Prompt (Admin)," and run the command:
dism /online /Get-FeatureInfo /FeatureName:Recall - The current Recall status will appear in the results. If it says "Enabled," the feature is active.
On corporate-managed devices, the presence or absence of Recall will depend on the policies applied by the IT department.
Steps to disable Recall in Windows 11
If you detect that Recall is active and you want to stop collecting data, you can disable it using several options, either from the graphical interface or through advanced commands. Here are the main ones:
From settings
- Accede to Configuration from the start menu.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Choose Recall and snapshots.
- Disable the option Save snapshots.
- On the same screen, you can delete stored snapshots and click on Erase everything to delete previous information.
From the command prompt
- Open the Symbol of the system as administrator.
- To disable Recall, enter:
dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:Recall - Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
If the feature is automatically re-enabled after an update in the future, you can automate its disabling using PowerShell scripts to maintain control.
Recall Privacy and Security Considerations
Microsoft claims Recall works completely locally, without sending data to external servers. According to their documentation, the screenshots are encrypted and only accessible with Windows Hello, in addition to being protected by the TPM 2.0 of the team. These measures aim to maintain confidentiality from other users and administrators in corporate environments.
Additionally, there is a confidential information filter which, if enabled, prevents saving screenshots when it detects potentially sensitive data. The decision to enable or disable it rests with the user, who must assess whether this protection is sufficient for their privacy needs.
Configuration options and policies for companies and administrators
In professional environments, where devices are centrally managed, Recall It is disabled and removed by default, unless explicitly permitted by policy. Administrators can:
- Enable or block its activation on the organization's devices.
- Restrict storage, define maximum storage and retention times, and exclude specific apps or websites from captures.
- Control whether users can export their snapshots and under what conditions.
All of this can be configured using group policies (GPOs), CSPs, or MDM profiles, ensuring compliance with internal regulations and comprehensive control in corporate environments.
Comparison of Recall with other audit and control options
Recall represents an advance over traditional audit methods. However, if you are looking for exhaustive control In terms of software or device management, there are specific tools such as InvGate Asset Management, which allow you to centrally monitor licenses, patches, and updates, helping you detect whether functions such as Recall are active in your fleet.
Additional recommendations to strengthen your privacy
If you want to strengthen your digital security beyond disabling Recall, consider following recommendations such as:
- Use a VPN on public networks.
- Keep your system updated with the latest security patches.
- Review and manage permissions for installed apps and extensions.
- Use third-party privacy tools if you share equipment or work with sensitive data.
Remember that maintaining active control over your digital privacy depends largely on your actions and decisions. While Recall can be useful in some scenarios, you should always consider the risks and sensitivity of the data you manage.
As you can see, Recall represents a huge step forward in terms of AI-powered productivity, but it also poses challenges for those who want to keep their digital privacy and security under control. Understanding how it works, its options, and the possible settings will allow you to use Windows 11 with greater confidence and avoid potential issues in the future. Analyze your needs, adjust the options to suit you, and stay tuned for Microsoft updates to take advantage of or limit this feature as needed.
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