Microsoft has recently announced exciting updates to its Recall (preview) feature for Copilot+ PCs, focusing on enhancing the setup experience, privacy controls, and security measures. This feature is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs and offers users a unique way to retrieve previously viewed content through a visual timeline.
Copilot+ PCs are the latest line of Windows computers introduced by Microsoft, designed to deliver top-notch performance and innovative AI experiences. These devices are geared towards boosting productivity, creativity, and communication for users.
One of the standout features of Copilot+ PCs is Recall, which captures encrypted snapshots of the screen periodically. These snapshots are then analyzed locally using on-device AI to provide context, enabling users to visually track and locate content from various sources like apps, websites, images, and documents.
To enhance user privacy and security, Microsoft has updated the setup experience for Copilot+ PCs. Users are now required to opt-in to enable Recall, ensuring that the feature remains off by default if not actively turned on. Additionally, Windows Hello enrollment is necessary for security purposes and as proof of presence to access the timeline and perform searches in Recall.
Microsoft has implemented multiple layers of data protection for Recall snapshots, including “just in time” decryption through Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS), ensuring that these snapshots are only accessible when authenticated.
Users will be notified when Recall is active through a taskbar icon and system tray notification. It’s important to note that Recall does not capture snapshots of digital rights-managed content or InPrivate browsing sessions in supported web browsers.
For enterprise users, IT administrators have the option to disable the saving of snapshots but cannot enable it on behalf of users. This ensures that individuals retain control over whether they choose to use Recall or not.
Early internal testing has yielded positive feedback from users who appreciate how easy it is to retrieve previously viewed web content, review online courses, and locate specific documents with Recall on their Copilot+ PCs.
