Microsoft Delays Recall Once More

Microsoft has once again postponed the deployment of its contentious Recall feature for Copilot Plus PCs. Originally, the technology company intended to begin testing Recall, which captures screenshots of almost everything displayed or performed on a Copilot Plus PC, with Windows Insiders in October. However, Microsoft has announced the need for additional time to prepare the feature adequately.

Brandon LeBlanc, the senior product manager of Windows, communicated to The Verge that Microsoft is committed to providing a secure and trustworthy experience with Recall. To deliver on these significant updates, the company is allotting more time to refine the experience before making it available for preview to Windows Insiders. Initially scheduled for October, the Recall feature will now be previewed by December.

Concerns over security prompted Microsoft to initially postpone Recall’s release, which was intended to debut with Copilot Plus PCs in June. Following an initial delay, Recall was anticipated for Windows Insiders within weeks, then scheduled for October, and now shifted to December.

The multiple delays by Microsoft stem from efforts to revamp Recall’s security. Enhancements include making it an opt-in feature and providing Copilot Plus PC users with the capacity to uninstall it completely. Efforts over the past months have focused on ensuring the Recall database is fully encrypted, and access is controlled exclusively through authentication with Windows Hello.

The Recall feature leverages local AI models incorporated into Windows 11 on Copilot Plus PCs to capture screenshots of nearly everything seen or done on the computer, allowing users to search and retrieve past activities. It includes an explorable timeline where users can scroll through these snapshots to revisit activities from specific days.

Earlier this week, Microsoft clarified that Recall would not be mandatory on Copilot Plus PCs; instead, it will be an opt-in experience that can be fully uninstalled. This clarification followed widespread claims in various YouTube videos suggesting Recall was being installed on any PC running Windows 11, version 24H2.

The spread of fear, uncertainty, and doubt was triggered by references to Recall appearing in version 24H2. Microsoft’s removal of Recall over the summer seems to have caused certain bugs affecting its appearance and control in Windows 11.

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