Table of Contents
Why Is Everyone Cheering Brave for Blocking Windows Recall by Default? Get the Details Now
Brave, a privacy-focused browser, made an important change for everyone using Windows. With its update to version 1.81, Brave became the first major browser to automatically block Microsoft’s Recall feature from saving screenshots of what you do online[b]. This decision means your browsing inside Brave is shielded from Recall’s logging, even outside private or incognito mode.
What Is Windows Recall?
Windows Recall is a feature from Microsoft. It takes snapshots of your computer screen every few seconds and saves them locally. Microsoft designed Recall to help people search through their digital history easily. But privacy experts, users, and security researchers quickly pointed out problems:
- Snapshots include almost everything on your screen, not just browser windows.
- Saved images were stored in plain text, unencrypted in the early version.
- Anyone with access to your device could look through your digital history, including malware or unwanted guests.
- Sensitive data — passwords, private messages, health records — could end up stored and readable.
After these criticisms, Microsoft paused Recall’s rollout, promising to fix the most serious issues before reintroducing the feature. Newer versions now offer better encryption, more user control, and require users to opt in, but concerns remain.
How Brave Stops Recall
Brave’s approach is straightforward and does not interrupt user experience:
Automatic Protection
All Brave windows, not just private ones, are now marked as private for Windows. Recall refuses to save private windows, so it can’t store any data from Brave.
No Effort Needed
The block is on by default. Users do not need to change any setting.
Granular Control
If you want Recall to save browser screenshots, you can re-enable it in Brave’s privacy settings.
Screenshot Flexibility
Brave only blocks Recall, not all screenshots. Helpful tools like screen readers and accessibility aids can still take images when users need them.
No Searchable Archive
By blocking Recall, Brave is making sure that what you do online stays out of a searchable, local timeline — unless you choose otherwise.
Comparing Brave to Other Apps
Signal Messenger: Signal, another privacy tool, blocked Recall earlier in the year. However, Signal’s method blocked all screenshots, which could cause problems for people needing accessibility functions. Brave’s approach is finer — it only stops Recall, not everything else.
User Benefits
- Keeps browser history private, away from software that could archive it.
- Reduces risk of sensitive data stored unprotected on your computer.
- Keeps useful features (like screenshots and accessibility tools) working.
- Gives users a simple on-off switch if they prefer Recall for some reason.
Simple Steps for Users
- Use Brave version 1.81 or higher on Windows.
- By default, you are already protected; no action is needed.
- To allow Recall, visit Settings > Privacy and Security and change the “Block Microsoft Recall” option.
- If accessibility tools are essential, they will continue operating as usual.
Brave’s default block on Windows Recall shows a strong stance for user privacy. It balances ease of use with strict protection against unwanted data collection. If staying private matters to you, this small update makes a significant difference.