Microsoft has introduced a new feature for Windows 11 called ‘Recall.’ This feature takes screenshots of your computer every few seconds and saves them. The goal is to help you easily find what you were doing, which websites you were visiting, or which documents you had open later on.
Everything Recorded? Where is User Privacy?
Microsoft’s Recall feature works in a way that allows you to easily retrieve any past activity. It automatically takes screenshots – you won’t even realize when pictures have been captured.
Even if you type an important password or log into your bank’s website, it can be captured. Although Microsoft says that all information is stored locally on your computer and encrypted, many security experts ask, “Is it worth taking such a big risk?”
Why Are Privacy Experts Concerned?
As soon as the Windows Recall feature was launched, security experts started talking about it. Many believe this feature is a form of “digital surveillance.” If hackers gain access to your PC, they can obtain all your old screenshots. Regular users might not even notice which information 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 cannot remember exactly which file we opened on which day, which website we were reading, or what messages we read. Recall can automatically remind you of those tasks. In reality, Recall can indeed do this, but you must also accept its risks.
Where Is the Concern Among Ordinary People?
Even those who are not very knowledgeable about technology have raised questions: If my PC captures pictures of every task I do, where is the safety for my personal belongings? Many have said that when working in the office, sensitive information such as salaries, contracts, or client information is on the screen, and no one wants to show these.
Additionally, many mothers have complained that their children study online, make Zoom calls, or play games. They are concerned whether Recall is taking screenshots of these moments as well.
Questions have arisen, if a virus or hacker accesses this Recall data, then the entire personal life could go into someone else’s hands!
Is Disabling Recall the Solution to All Problems?
This is the big question. You can manually disable the Recall feature, but many don’t know how to do it. Besides, for those not tech-savvy, having the Recall feature enabled without realizing it is a huge risk.
Although Microsoft says that with 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 disable Recall, you have to delete the previous screenshots separately. Many might not know this either. As a result, you might think the feature is disabled, 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 on.
Signal messaging app has introduced a security option in their desktop app that prevents Recall from taking screenshots. It works somewhat like DRM technology, preventing any external software from capturing the screen. Brave browser also stated they would block this feature of Windows. AdGuard, a popular tracking-blocker app, has also introduced a feature in their software to disable Recall.
What Should You Do?
There’s nothing to be afraid of. You can easily disable the Recall feature if you wish.
Go to Windows 11’s Settings, enter the Privacy & Security > Recall & snapshots menu. Then switch off the “Save snapshots” option. To delete previous screenshots, press “Delete all snapshots.”
Final Words
The Recall feature might be useful in the future, but it has already become a cause of fear for many users. Your privacy is in your hands – you decide which features to keep enabled and which to disable.
Microsoft says it’s an optional feature. You can remove it if you wish. Your PC is yours, so you decide what stays and what doesn’t.
Share your opinion in the comments. What do you think about the Recall feature? Will you keep it enabled or disable it?
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