Microsoft may disable Recall in Windows 11 OOBE, suggests report

When Microsoft first introduced Recall in Windows 11, concerns were raised about the security side of things, with many threatening to quit the OS. Soon, people who installed Windows 11 24H2 discovered that Recall is enabled by default in OOBE and had to be manually turned off later in the dedicated settings!

That was a serious issue, given that a significant part of the Windows’ user base would have a tough time reconfiguring the settings if they somehow managed to discover the feature, the possibility of which alone is bleak.

But reports coming in suggest that Microsoft is reconsidering its initial stance and might, for a change, make a user-oriented decision. Zac Bowden, Editor at WindowsCentral, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), tells us that Microsoft might reconfigure OOBE and have Recall disabled by default on Windows 11 24H2 around the time Copilot+ PCs enter the market.

For what it's worth I've heard this might change by the time Copilot+ PCs launch on June 18. The option to not enable Recall during OOBE is actively being discussed internally. https://t.co/zBXLEcxIvu

— Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) June 1, 2024

A week ago, UK’s data watchdog, ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office), started an enquiry into the AI-powered Recall feature. The watchdog has reached out to Microsoft regarding the ongoing security concerns pertaining to the new feature, and asked for an explanation.

Besides, in the past few weeks, organizations and educational institutes that rely on Microsoft’s software and services, too, have raised apprehensions about Recall in Windows 11 24H2, citing violation of data protection laws.

Perhaps it the fear of losing a major user base or the thought of massive fines in the EU that forced Microsoft to reconsider. Whatever the reason, the step will be widely appreciated!

Nevertheless, there’s another bigger concern regarding Recall in Windows 11, the fall in available storage for anyone who enables the feature!

What’s your take on Recall in Windows 11 OOBE and as feature in general? Share with our readers in the comments section.