Microsoft Copilot Recall Snapshots provide users with a powerful tool to capture and review their digital experiences. However, it is crucial for users to understand how to effectively manage and customize their snapshot preferences to maintain control over their data.
You can control what’s saved as a snapshot, disable snapshot saving, pause temporarily, filter applications, and delete snapshots anytime.
Table of Contents
- How to Disable Recall and Snapshots During New Copilot+ PC Setup
- How to Disabling Recall Snapshot Saving
- How to Pause Snapshots Temporarily
- How to Filter Apps and Websites from Recall Snapshots
- How to Delete Recall Saving Snapshots Anytime
- How to Disable Recall Snapshot Saving for Enterprise Customers
- Reference
How to Disable Recall and Snapshots During New Copilot+ PC Setup
During the setup of a new Copilot+ PC, users are promptly informed about Recall and presented with the opportunity to adjust their snapshot settings. By accessing the Recall settings, users can easily disable snapshot saving, apply filters, or further tailor their experience before proceeding to use Windows 11. To completely turn off snapshot saving, users should deselect all Recall-related default options.
How to Disabling Recall Snapshot Saving
At any point, users can effortlessly disable snapshot saving by navigating to Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots.
How to Pause Snapshots Temporarily
Additionally, for temporary pauses, users can simply click on the Recall icon in the system tray and select the pause option.
How to Filter Apps and Websites from Recall Snapshots
Filter specific apps and websites from being saved as snapshots. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots to add filters.
It is important to note that website filtering is supported in browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome. For comprehensive browser activity filtering, users can add an app filter for their preferred browser. Developers can enable website filtering support by implementing Recall activity APIs.
Recall prioritizes user privacy by excluding private browsing activity and content protected by digital rights management (DRM) from snapshot saving. However, users should be aware that Recall does not perform content moderation and may capture sensitive information like passwords or financial account numbers if websites do not adhere to standard internet protocols.
How to Delete Recall Saving Snapshots Anytime
Deleting snapshots is a straightforward process accessible through Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots. Windows automatically manages snapshot storage by setting a maximum size and deleting the oldest snapshots when the limit is reached. Users can modify this maximum storage size according to their preferences.
How to Disable Recall Snapshot Saving for Enterprise Customers
IT administrators can use group policy or mobile device management to disable snapshot saving. This will delete all saved snapshots and prevent users from re-enabling the feature. For more details, see Manage Recall.
Organizations not ready to use AI for historical analysis can disable it with the “Turn off saving snapshots for Windows” policy. Any previously saved snapshots will be deleted when this policy is enabled.
- CSP: ./User/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/WindowsAI/DisableAIDataAnalysis
- Group policy: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > WindowsAI > Turn off saving snapshots for Windows
By understanding and using these management and customization options, users can confidently harness the benefits of Microsoft Copilot Recall Snapshots while maintaining complete control over their digital footprint.