How to Disable the Recall AI feature on Windows 11

Recalling Recall with a click of a button

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As Microsoft continues to dive further into AI, more features like Recall will continue being introduced but for users who may feel these features are becoming somewhat intrusive, you can disable them on your Windows 11.

The Recall feature shipped with a Windows 11 build which basically stands in for your forgetful memory. You may have searched for something but can’t remember it the next day. Recall does the work for you since it takes a snapshot of everything you do on your device and keeps a copy on your local drive.

How do I disable the Recall feature on Windows 11?

  1. Hit the Windows button and click on Settings.
  2. Navigate to Privacy & security then select Recall & snapshots.
  3. Toggle off the Save snapshots option.
  4. Further, you can proceed to delete already captured snapshots by clicking on Delete all snapshots.

Alternative methods for managing AI features in Windows 11

  • The Recall feature is already encrypted using BitLocker encryption but sometimes, BitLocker may fail to encrypt your drive. To achieve greater control of your privacy, instead of disabling the Recall feature on your Windows 11, you can encrypt your files and folders to keep off unauthorized persons as an extra layer of protection.
  • If you’re wary of people getting a hold of your snapshots, instead of disabling the feature, consider clearing your snapshots regularly. You can delete them every 24 hours or as frequently as you would like provided you no longer need them.
  • Use incognito/private browser tabs where possible. Since the Recall feature does not record these tabs, you can use these tabs when dealing with sensitive information.

It may be argued that the Recall feature may be infringing on your privacy. It takes a snapshot of everything on your screen except for protected content.

Your passwords and any other confidential information on the other hand can be captured and stored in your drive. This means anyone who can log into your user profile can easily access them. However, with data protection software, you can rest assured your information is safe.

The Recall feature is already on Windows 11 devices. Would you say the snapshots are helpful or would you rather not have a visual diary of your device activity throughout the day? Let us know in the comment section below.

More about the topics: AI, Windows 11