Microsoft's new Feature Windows Recall arouses concerns with many users because it records your screen content. But you can manually deactivate the feature.
Windows 11 offers some useful AI functions, but some of them are not always an advantage in the face of data protection aspects. (Source: Wirestock / depositphotos.com; ra2studio/depositphotos.com; Image assembly: Netzwelt)
Microsoft extends the distribution of the recall function, including to Copilot+PCs.
The company once again underlines that Recall should become an important part of the Windows ecosystem in the future. Every few seconds, the AI-based Windows 11 function takes up a screenshot of your entire screen and deposits it in a database.
Later you can trace back with simple search terms when you did what where on your PC. Many experts such as that Consumer protection forum Berlin have expressed concerns about the feature in advance – especially under data protection aspects. After all, the AI cuts all processes on your PC. Fortunately, you can deactivate the feature.
Deactivate the recall: This is how it works
You deactivate Windows Recall by going the Windows settings. Use the key combination “Windows key” + “I”. There is the menu item “Data Protection and Security” and click on it. Now go to “Recall and snapshots” and deactivate the feature there by clicking on the corresponding switch. Keep in mind that you have to do this individually for every user of your PC.
If you do not find the menu item “Recall and snapshots”, this means that the feature for your PC is not (yet) available and consequently not active. In Europe and Germany, the release is still pending due to massive data protection concerns.
Reason for criticism
RECALL is controversial because all a few seconds are taken up by all screen contents. No matter what is currently being displayed – be it your bank details, private notes or photos – all this saves Recall on the snapshots in a database. If malware or other users access it, massive damage can occur.
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