Microsoft’s Revamped Recall AI Feature To Roll out for Beta Testing
Microsoft is rolling out its Windows Recall feature to Insiders with Copilot+ PCs after canceling the launch in May over security and privacy concerns. Learn more about the development and the changes made to the tool.
- Microsoft is relaunching its Windows Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs after canceling the launch in May over security and privacy concerns.
- New additions include the integration of Windows Hello and making the feature opt-in for users.
Microsoft is set to roll out its highly anticipated and controversial Recall feature this October. Initially rolled out in May as an addition to the Windows Copilot+ suite, Recall has undergone several changes following widespread concerns about security and privacy. While a threat actor needed access to the computer, once achieved, every aspect of a user’s activity on the computer was easy to find, as there was no encryption integrated with Recall’s earlier version; this could even include data such as passwords and banking information.
Recall is an AI-powered tool that captures a continuous log of the user’s activity, including screenshots of the display screen. This feature was intended to help users track their workflows, check the history of their computer usage, and revisit past tasks to improve productivity. However, the launch of the feature raised concerns about privacy invasions as it could potentially be used by threat actors to steal sensitive personal information.
Key Changes
The feature was viewed with excitement and skepticism when Microsoft first launched Recall. In response to concerns about unauthorized access to private data, Microsoft has made several critical adjustments:
- Audit logs: Microsoft has now added the ability for users to access audit logs, which contain details about what information Recall has captured, how the data was used, and where such data is stored.
- Privacy controls: Microsoft has added more robust security and privacy settings, allowing users to customize what Recall logs and stores. Users can opt out of using the service, fully or partially.
- Data retention: The first version of Recall stored captured data indefinitely. However, now users can set limits for how long they want the information to be stored and even opt for automated deletion if necessary.
- Data encryption: Data captured by Recall will be encrypted when being transmitted or stored. The feature will be linked to Windows Hello to help with access security and minimize unauthorized access.
- Notifications: Recall will also provide users with real-time notifications about when data is being logged. This is intended to improve user awareness about the feature’s operation.
- Copilot+ PCs: The Recall feature will be available for Copilot+ PCs, which will be Secured-core PCs that provide advanced firmware safeguards with Pluton security processors.
See More: Microsoft Launches Unified Teams App for Personal Use and Work
Accessing the Recall Feature
The Recall feature will be rolled out to customers of the Windows Insiders program for beta testing as part of the Copilot+ preview in October 2024. This means that it is only available to PCs with a Copilot+ certification. One must join the Windows Insider program via their Microsoft account to gain early access.
Inside the Insider program, the PC should be updated to the latest build, including the Copilot+ suite. This can be followed by enabling Recall in the interface and customizing privacy settings. Microsoft is also pushing users to provide feedback to help shape future updates.
Takeaways
Microsoft has cited user feedback behind the changes and has acknowledged the need for privacy and security. Better privacy controls, transparency, and data encryption will likely gain a positive response from the user community this time around.
In an official blog post, Microsoft stated, “We understand that our users value their privacy, and we’ve taken the necessary steps to ensure that Recall meets our high standards for security and user control. These updates are the result of extensive feedback and our ongoing commitment to providing tools that are both powerful and respectful of our users’ needs.”
The upcoming release of Recall is a pivotal moment for Microsoft as it moves forward with an AI-driven product portfolio. As it rolls out to beta testers in October, enthusiasts and critics will closely watch to see how it performs in real-world applications.
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