How to Turn Off Recall on Copilot+ PCs: Stop Windows from Recording Everything
Protecting your privacy on a Copilot+ PC is paramount, especially with the introduction of Windows Recall. This feature, while innovative, may raise concerns about data privacy. In this guide, we will walk you through how to turn off Recall and take control of your digital privacy.
What is Windows Recall?
Windows Recall, a standout feature unveiled by Microsoft in May, is designed to log every activity on your PC by taking a screenshot every five seconds. This functionality is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which come equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), allowing for local data processing.
Key Features of Windows Recall:
- Local Operation: Runs entirely on your PC without requiring internet access.
- Regular Snapshots: Captures screenshots every five seconds if there are changes on the screen.
- Search Capability: Enables searching for both text and images using natural language.
Microsoft promotes Recall as a tool to enhance your PC’s memory, making it easier to retrieve any content you’ve interacted with. While useful, this constant monitoring poses privacy risks.
Why You Might Want to Disable Recall
Despite its benefits, Recall has faced criticism for its potential privacy infringements. Continuous monitoring can be unsettling for users who value their privacy. Thus, knowing how to disable Recall is crucial.
How to Permanently Turn Off Recall
To completely disable Windows Recall and stop your PC from recording everything, follow these steps:
- Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
- Navigate to Privacy & Security: In the Settings menu, find and click on "Privacy & security."
- Access Recall & Snapshots: Under Privacy & security, select "Recall & snapshots."
- Deactivate Save Snapshots: Move the slider to the "Off" position to disable the Save snapshots option.
By following these steps, you can ensure that Recall no longer records your PC activities.
Configuring Recall for Selective Recording
If you prefer to keep Recall active but with restricted access, you can customize its settings:
- Open Recall Settings: Follow the steps mentioned above to access the Recall & snapshots menu.
- Allow Specific Activities: Choose which apps and websites Recall can monitor by configuring the allowed and blocked lists.
- Private Browser Windows: For Chrome and Firefox users, enable automatic blocking of private windows. Note that Edge’s InPrivate windows are excluded by default.
For detailed customization, refer to Microsoft’s official instructions on configuring Recall settings to match your preferences.
Temporarily Disabling Recall
To pause Recall temporarily:
- Click on the Recall Icon: Located on the taskbar.
- Select Stop/Pause Until Tomorrow: This option will pause Recall until 12:00 noon the next day.
This method is ideal for short-term privacy needs without permanently disabling the feature.
By understanding how to manage Windows Recall, you can balance the convenience of data retrieval with the importance of privacy. Stay informed and make the necessary adjustments to ensure your PC usage remains secure.