How Can You Safeguard Storage with Effective Recall Settings in Windows 11?

Can You Easily Change the Storage Duration for Windows 11 Recall Snapshots?

Windows 11’s Recall feature helps you remember what you’ve seen on your PC. It takes quick pictures—called snapshots—of your screen as you work. You decide how long to keep these snapshots, which makes handling your disk space easier and your privacy more protected.

Why Does the Storage Duration Matter?

Space Saver

Older snapshots are removed automatically when their storage time ends or when storage limits are hit.

Privacy Positive

Shorter storage durations mean less old data stays on your device.

Easy Ways to Change Recall Snapshot Storage Duration

Windows 11 gives you three simple paths to adjust how long Recall snapshots stay on your device:

Settings App

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Tap Privacy & security.
3. Select Recall & snapshots in Windows Permissions.
4. Open the Storage section.
5. Use the drop-down menu labelled Maximum storage duration for snapshots.
6. Pick one: 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 180 days, or Unlimited.
7. Press OK on the security prompt.

All snapshots older than your selected time will be deleted from your device.

Local Group Policy Editor

This way gives you more control. Best for Pro, Education, or Enterprise versions.

1. Open Group Policy Editor (use Start search or Run dialog).
2. Find this path:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI
3. Double-click Set maximum duration for storing snapshots used by Recall.
4. Pick Enabled.
5. Use the drop-down to choose between 30, 60, 90, 180 days, or let Windows decide.
6. Click Apply, then OK.

Note: If you use Group Policy, the Settings app option gets disabled for regular users. Remove this setting or set to Not Configured if you want to change it back.

Registry Editor (Advanced)

Always back up your registry before changing it.

1. Press Win + S, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Go to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI
3. If WindowsAI doesn’t exist, right-click Windows, choose New > Key, and name it WindowsAI.
4. Right-click the new key, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it SetMaximumStorageDurationForRecallSnapshots.
5. Double-click this new value and enter:
   • 1e for 30 days
   • 3c for 60 days
   • 5a for 90 days
   • b4 for 180 days
   • 0 to let Windows choose
6. Click OK to apply.

Recall Snapshot Storage Limits

You may also want to control how much disk space is used for Recall snapshots:

• 256 GB device: 25 GB (default), 10 GB
• 512 GB device: 75 GB (default), 50 GB, 25 GB
• 1 TB or more: 150 GB (default), 100 GB, 75 GB, 50 GB, 25 GB

Once your set limit fills up, old snapshots vanish first. This way, your free space is always protected and Recall never hogs your drive.

Fast Facts About Recall

• Snapshots are encrypted and stored only on your PC.
• Recall can take a new snapshot every 5 seconds or when the screen changes.
• You need at least 50 GB free and a drive of 256 GB or bigger to use Recall.
• Storage duration choices: 30, 60, 90, 180 days, or unlimited.
• To stop snapshots, turn off Recall in settings.
• Deleting snapshots is possible at any time from the Settings app.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a shorter storage duration if you value privacy or use a smaller drive.
• Go for longer or unlimited if you want the most history.
• Change the storage limit if you notice your device is running low on space.

Managing Recall is simple, flexible, and can save you from overusing precious disk space. Change the storage duration from Settings, Local Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor—whatever feels easiest for you. Setting smart Recall rules means your PC runs better and your past stays organized and secure