Microsoft makes its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs more transparent

Microsoft is making the controversial Recall feature on Copilot+ PCs a lot more transparent about your sensitive data. A spot from Windows enthusiast @phantomofearth on X reveals the change. 

An upcoming update for Windows 11’s Recall feature, expected in the Dev or Beta Insider builds for folks with the 24H2 version, will introduce a quick settings page that allows users to manage app and website filter lists.

It will also include an information tooltip that informs users about the status of sensitive information filtering, indicating whether snapshots containing potentially sensitive data are saved or excluded based on user preferences. Here’s how it looks like, as the spotter reveals:

The tooltip reads, “Snapshots are being saved on your PC. Snapshots with potentially sensitive info aren’t saved, unless you choose otherwise. This includes apps and websites in your filter lists or private windows in supported browsers.”

Windows 11’s Recall on Copilot+ PCs, which is currently under testing across Windows Insider channels, lets you recall anything that you’ve done on your PCs by periodically taking snapshots of your activities. It’s initially launching for AI PCs with Snapdragon X chips before making its way to Intel and AMD.

While the AI-powered feature does sound good on paper, Microsoft’s not-so-good track record in managing people’s data somehow hindered the feature. It was a PR disaster, to say at least, so much so that Microsoft had to push it back a few times before launching it to Windows Insiders, before launching to everyone.