Microsoft has introduced a new feature for Windows 11 called ‘Recall.’ It’s a feature that automatically takes screenshots of your computer every few seconds and saves them. The goal is simple: to allow you to easily find what you were doing, which websites you visited, or which documents you opened.
Although it sounds smart, many have described it as “creepy” or “a privacy risk.” Why? Because everything on your computer screen, like personal photos, messages, bank accounts, passwords, can be captured by the Recall feature. Although the Recall feature will operate on high-configuration ‘Copilot+ PC’ computers, many are already skeptical about it. Let’s delve into the details.
Recording Everything? Where’s User Privacy?
The Microsoft Recall feature works in a way that allows you to easily retrieve any past activity. It takes automatic screenshots – you won’t even be able to tell when a picture was taken.
Even if you type an important password or log in to your bank’s website, it can be captured. Although Microsoft claims that all data is stored locally and encrypted on your computer, many security experts are questioning, “Is it worth taking such a big risk?”
Why Are Privacy Experts Alarmed?
As soon as the Windows Recall feature was launched, security experts began discussing it. Many see this feature as a form of “digital surveillance.” If hackers manage to access your PC, they could get hold of all your previous screenshots. Ordinary users may not even notice which data is being captured and which is not.
Microsoft’s Stance on the Recall Feature
Initially, Microsoft presented the Recall feature as a groundbreaking innovation. They hope it will digitally expand human memory. In our daily lives, we often forget which file we opened on which day, which website we read, or what messages we read. Recall can remind you of these automatically. While Recall can indeed do this, you have to accept its risks.
Where Is the Concern Among General People?
Even those who aren’t very knowledgeable about technology are now asking questions: If my PC keeps a picture of every task I do, where are my personal things safe? Many have said that while working in the office, sensitive information like salaries, contracts, or client data is displayed on the screen, and they don’t want anyone to see it.
Moreover, many mothers have complained that their children study online, make Zoom calls, or play games. There is also fear among them about whether Recall is taking screenshots of these moments.
Questions have arisen about what happens if a virus or hacker accesses this Recall data. Wouldn’t someone’s entire personal life fall into others’ hands?
Is Turning Off Recall the Solution to All Problems?
This is the big question. You can manually turn off the Recall feature, but many don’t know how. Moreover, for users who are not tech-savvy, the Recall feature running unnoticed is a significant risk.
Microsoft claims that in Copilot+ PC, this feature will be Opt-in, meaning it won’t be enabled without user consent. This change is certainly commendable.
Even if you turn off Recall, you have to delete the previous screenshots separately. Some might not even know that. As a result, you might think the feature is off, but all the old screenshots are still on your PC.
Which Companies Are Blocking the Feature?
Some renowned companies have already started blocking this Recall feature early. Signal messaging app has brought a security option in their desktop app that prevents screenshots from being taken by Recall. It works somewhat like DRM technology, preventing any external software from capturing the screen. Brave browser has also announced that they will block this Windows feature. AdGuard, a popular tracking-blocker app, has also introduced the feature to disable Recall in their software.
What Should You Do?
Don’t worry. You can easily turn off the Recall feature if you wish.
Go to Settings in Windows 11 and navigate to Privacy & Security > Recall & snapshots menu. Then turn off the “Save snapshots” option. If you want to delete the old screenshots, press “Delete all snapshots.”
Conclusion
The Recall feature might be handy in the future, but currently, it’s a cause of fear for many users. Your privacy is in your hands – decide which features you want to enable and which ones to disable.
Microsoft claims it’s an optional feature. You can delete it if you wish. Your PC is yours, so you decide what stays and what doesn’t.
Share your thoughts in the comments. What do you think about the Recall feature? Will you keep it on, or turn it off?
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