Microsoft Mistakenly Added an Option to Uninstall the Controversial Recall Feature in Windows 11

In May, Microsoft introduced Recall, the “photographic memory” feature for Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, one of the company’s most interesting innovations in years. However, a series of ill-advised decisions and mistakes made by the company ended up overshadowing what could’ve been a successful launch.

Shortly after the announcement, some computer security experts raised concerns. Recall didn’t effectively protect the data it collected from the computer to function. Amid the controversy, Microsoft made a series of changes and delayed its release on compatible computers. Now, there are questions about the tool’s effectiveness.

Is It Possible to Completely Uninstall Recall?

While Recall can technically run on any computer with Windows 11, Microsoft has restricted this feature to Copilot+ computers with AI. Once the feature becomes available to users, it’s uncertain whether they’ll be able to completely uninstall it. In fact, the uncertainty rose after a discovery by the German site Deskmodder.

After installing the optional update KB5041865, the Deskmodder team found that Recall appeared in the Turn Windows features on or off dialog box. Initially, they believed that Microsoft would allow Recall to be completely removed from this section, but it seems that this isn’t the case.

Recall in the Turn Windows features on or off dialog box. | Image: Deskmodder

Brandon LeBlanc, a top product manager at Windows, told The Verge on Monday: “We are aware of an issue where Recall is incorrectly listed as an option under the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ dialog in Control Panel,” adding that the issue “will be fixed in an upcoming update.”

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As such, according to Microsoft’s official statements, the ability to enable or disable Recall from the Windows Features section won’t be available at this time. However, users will be able to enable or disable (not uninstall) this “photographic memory” feature from Windows 11’s Settings section.

Even though there’s already a Recall mention in the Windows OS, the feature is not yet available on Copilot+ compatible computers. Microsoft has stated that the preview will be released soon, but there’s no definite date. This means we’ll have to wait to experience this feature firsthand after it overcomes these initial hurdles.

Image | Microsoft

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