Windows Recall is a headline feature of Copilot+ PCs that uses AI to capture regular snapshots of your screen, allowing you to revisit past activities. While Microsoft touts Recall as a productivity booster, many users are concerned about privacy and data security, as this feature logs your on-screen actions across apps and browsers. If you value privacy or simply prefer not to use Recall, there are reliable ways to disable it entirely.
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Why Consider Disabling Recall AI?
- Privacy Concerns: Recall continuously records your screen, which may expose sensitive information.
- Security Risks: Earlier versions of Recall had notable security vulnerabilities, raising trust issues.
- System Performance: Disabling unnecessary features can improve system responsiveness.
- User Choice: You may simply not need or want this feature on your device.
Solution 1: Using Group Policy Editor (For Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education)
- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
- Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI
- On the right pane, find and double-click Allow Recall to be enabled.
- Select the Disabled option, then click Apply.
- Restart your PC to finalize the changes.
Result: All Recall-related components and toggles are removed from your system, ensuring Recall is fully disabled.
Soluion 2: Using the Registry Editor (For Windows 11 Home)
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor. Approve any User Account Control (UAC) prompts.
- Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI
- Right-click the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowRecallEnablement.
- Double-click this new value and set Value Data to 0 (leave Base as Hexadecimal).
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Note: This method is essential for Windows 11 Home users, as Group Policy Editor is unavailable.
Solution 3: Using PowerShell (For Administrators in Enterprise Environments)
Open PowerShell as an administrator and run:
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Recall" -Remove
Outcome: This command disables Recall and removes any related data from the device.
Pro Tip: Always restart your PC after making these changes to ensure Recall is fully disabled and removed.
In summary: Whether you’re concerned about privacy, security, or simply want to streamline your Windows 11 experience, disabling Recall AI is a smart, positive step that puts you in control of your digital environment.