Microsoft has decided to delay the launch of the controversial Recall feature on Copilot Plus PCs once again. This feature is designed to allow users to create snapshots of what they see or do on their computers. Originally, Microsoft planned to start testing the Recall feature with Windows Insider program members in October. However, the company now states that more time is needed to refine the feature.
Windows Senior Product Manager Brandon Lebron stated, "We are committed to providing users with a safe and reliable Recall experience. To ensure these essential updates are implemented, we will spend additional time optimizing the experience before previewing the feature to Windows Insider program members." The Recall feature, initially scheduled for release in October, is now expected to launch a preview version for Windows Insider program members on Copilot Plus PCs in December.
Previously, due to security concerns, Microsoft was forced to postpone the Recall feature release on Copilot Plus PCs planned for June. After the initial delay, the Recall feature was supposed to be available to Windows Insider program members a few weeks later, but Microsoft subsequently postponed it to October, and now it has been delayed again to December.
Microsoft's repeated delays are related to comprehensive security enhancements of the Recall feature. The company is working to make the feature optional and allow Copilot Plus PC users to completely uninstall it. In recent months, Microsoft has focused on ensuring that the Recall database is fully encrypted and can only be accessed through Windows Hello authentication.
The Recall feature leverages the built-in local AI model in Windows 11 on Copilot Plus PCs to create snapshots of what users see or do on their computers, providing search and retrieval functionalities. Users can scroll through these snapshots via an exploratory timeline to review the activities performed on their computer on any given day.
Earlier this week, Microsoft reiterated that the Recall feature on Copilot Plus PCs is not mandatory but an optional feature that can be completely uninstalled. This clarification was prompted by several YouTube videos claiming that any computer with Windows 11 version 24H2 installed already includes the Recall feature.
Because some mentions of the Recall feature appeared in version 24H2, widespread fear, uncertainty, and doubt sentiments have been circulating. Microsoft's decisive removal of the Recall feature in the summer seems to have resulted in some vulnerabilities in how the feature is displayed and controlled within Windows 11.
