Microsoft’s delayed Recall AI is finally available on Copilot Plus PCs

Microsoft’s new Recall AI feature, which enables searchable screenshots and activity tracking on Copilot Plus PCs, is now available in preview for Windows Insiders after multiple delays due to security concerns.

Key features and functionality: Recall creates a searchable archive of PC activities through automated screenshots and natural language processing capabilities.

• Users can search through their past activities using natural language queries or a scrollable timeline to locate specific apps and websites
• The system uses AI to match both text and visual elements from captured snapshots
• A companion feature called Click to Do allows users to interact with and extract content from saved snapshots

Privacy and security measures: Microsoft has implemented robust security protocols to address earlier concerns that delayed the feature’s release.

• The feature is strictly opt-in and requires Windows Hello authentication for access
• All snapshots are encrypted and stored locally, with no cloud transmission or AI model training
• Sensitive information like credit cards, passwords, and personal ID numbers are automatically excluded from capture
• Users maintain full control over which apps and websites are included in snapshots

Technical requirements and availability: The initial rollout is limited to specific hardware configurations and security features.

• Currently only available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel
• Initial support limited to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs, with Intel and AMD support planned
• Requires BitLocker encryption and Secure Boot functionality
• Click to Do functionality will expand to include real-time screen interaction and visual search capabilities

Future developments: The preview release marks a significant step in Microsoft’s AI integration strategy for Windows.

• Plans include expanding Click to Do functionality to enable visual searches within YouTube videos using Bing
• Security researchers will be scrutinizing the preview version before broader release
• The feature can be completely uninstalled by Copilot Plus PC owners who choose not to use it

Market implications: The delayed release and subsequent security overhaul of Recall demonstrates Microsoft’s careful balance between innovation and user privacy, while potentially setting new standards for AI-powered personal computing features.