After nearly a year of delays, Microsoft has officially launched Recall, its AI-powered search feature for Windows 11. Available now on Copilot+ PCs through the April 2025 non-security preview update, Recall introduces AI-driven memory search by periodically capturing screenshots of user activity.
Importantly, Microsoft addressed earlier privacy concerns: Recall is disabled by default, opt-in only, and all data is encrypted and stored locally. Access requires Windows Hello authentication (face, fingerprint, or PIN). Users can delete snapshots or block specific apps and websites from being recorded.
Recall demands serious hardware: a neural processing unit (NPU) delivering at least 40 TOPS (trillion operations per second). Only PCs running Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, Intel’s Core Ultra 200V-series, or AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series qualify.
Microsoft also announced two additional AI features: Click to Do, an overlay for quick text summarizations and image edits directly on-screen, launching first on Snapdragon PCs; and Enhanced Windows Search, which now supports natural language queries across the OS, including File Explorer and Settings.
I tested this system when it was in beta, and — for me — it landed squarely on the cool/creepy line. Now, there’s only one question: will users trust the system to respect their privacy? If yes, Recall unlocks a new world of convenience. If no, it’s back to the drawing board.
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it. This work was created with the assistance of various generative AI models.