Recall, which captures and stores screenshots of desktop PC activity every few seconds, was labeled a “privacy nightmare” when first unveiled last month. Credit: Microsoft Microsoft will make its Windows Recall feature opt-in by default after criticism by security and privacy experts. With Recall, currently in preview, Microsoft wants to let Copilot+ PC users find and retrieve information across any app they’ve accessed. It does so by taking screenshots every few seconds, creating a searchable timeline of everything a user has interacted with on their computer. Microsoft Executive Vice President Yusuf Mehdi likened Recall to “photographic memory,” when the feature was unveiled in May. However, the ability to record and store all user data that appears on screen — anything from passwords to confidential messages — drew widespread criticism. Experts claimed Recall would create a treasure trove of data for hackers, with some comparing it keylogger malware. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, a privacy watchdog, said it had written to Microsoft to “understand the safeguards in place to protect user privacy.” On Friday, Microsoft announced it would make changes to Recall in response to feedback. Along with turning off the feature by default, Microsoft said users will have to use Windows Hello biometric authentication to enable Recall. A “proof of presence” is also needed to search in Recall or view a timeline. In addition, Microsoft will add “just in time” decryption protected by Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS). This means Recall snapshots will “only be decrypted and accessible when the user authenticates,” Pavan Davuluri, corporate vice president for Windows and Devices, said in a blog post, providing an “an additional layer of protection to Recall data.” The changes will be made before the Recall feature becomes available on Copilot+ PCs beginning June 18. “The introduction of an opt-in option has now given users more control, allowing them to choose to activate the Recall feature,” said Pareekh Consulting CEO Pareekh Jain, who expects early adopters will turn on the Recall feature when it launches. “As more people start trusting this feature and their concerns about misuse are addressed, then the majority may choose to opt-in and benefit from it,” he said. Related content feature Microsoft's Patch Tuesday updates: Keeping up with the latest fixes Here's a look at the most recent Patch Tuesday release from Microsoft as well as a collection of recent updates so you can track what's changed. By Dan Muse Aug 16, 2024 5 mins Microsoft Microsoft Office Windows 10 feature Windows 11 Insider Previews: What’s in the latest build? Get the latest info on new preview builds of Windows 11 as they roll out to Windows Insiders. Now updated for Build 27686 for the Canary Channel, released on Aug. 15, 2024. By Preston Gralla Aug 16, 2024 285 mins Small and Medium Business Microsoft Windows 11 news brief BitLocker encryption becomes the default in Windows 11 24H2 When the next version of Windows 11 arrives this fall, encryption via BitLocker will be the default setting for reinstallations and new installations. By Mikael Markander Aug 15, 2024 1 min Encryption Microsoft Windows 11 how-to The 5 best ways to print and save web pages on Windows There are ways to improve your printing and saving experience in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and other modern browsers running on Windows. By Chris Hoffman Aug 14, 2024 8 mins Windows 10 Windows 11 Windows Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe