Windows Recall is under another delay; the controversial AI feature needs time, Microsoft says

Back in August, Microsoft revealed that Windows Recall will be available to insiders starting in October after experiencing an indefinite delay earlier this summer. They’ve emphasized their commitment to delivering a secure and trustworthy experience, promising more details in a blog post when the feature becomes available to Insiders.

Update Aug. 21, 2024: With a commitment to delivering a trustworthy and secure Recall (preview) experience on Copilot+ PCs for customers, we’re sharing an update that Recall will be available to Windows Insiders starting in October. As previously shared on June 13, we have adjusted our release approach to leverage the valuable expertise of our Windows Insider community prior to making Recall available for all Copilot+ PCs. Security continues to be our top priority and when Recall is available for Windows Insiders in October we will publish a blog with more details. 

This long-awaited characteristic was initially planned to be introduced on June 18th, and its arrival would have changed how we use our PCs tremendously because it can take screenshots of what’s happening on your screen at any time you want so that later when needed or searching for something in particular, users can find past information with ease.

However, it seems that the AI capability will be previewed in December after Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc told The Verge that Recall needs more polishing.

We are committed to delivering a secure and trusted experience with Recall. To ensure we deliver on these important updates, we’re taking additional time to refine the experience before previewing it with Windows Insiders. Originally planned for October, Recall will now be available for preview with Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs by December.

Windows Recall was not without controversy. The reason? Security. It seems that the initial enthusiasm was rapidly replaced by worries from security professionals all over the internet. They sounded the alarm, cautioning that the Recall could be a source of vulnerability for hackers who might gain entry and access users’ private data.

Microsoft has carefully considered these warnings. They reasoned it is wise to first test Recall with a small group of Windows Insiders before making it available to everyone else.

We are adjusting the release model for Recall to leverage the expertise of the Windows Insider community to ensure the experience meets our high standards for quality and security. This decision is rooted in our commitment to providing a trusted, secure and robust experience for all customers and to seek additional feedback prior to making the feature available to all Copilot+ PC users.

Microsoft

Additionally, Microsoft is testing and adding more security features for Recall content. The “just in time” decryption is protected by Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS). This implies that Recall snapshots will be decrypted and reachable only after the user authenticates themselves, thus providing an additional layer of safety.

Though the delay might not be satisfying for individuals waiting excitedly for Recall to come out, it shows Microsoft’s focus on security. The creation of Copilot+ PCs, Recall, and Windows is still under the watchful eye of their Secure Future Initiative (SFI). Therefore, when Recall is available, it will demonstrate itself as a strong virtual user safety.

However, not all Windows users are impressed with the tool, and many see it as spyware and call Microsoft to leave it behind. On Reddit, for example, many such forums have hundreds of replies, which is not a good sign if you ask us.

As the title says, Microsoft is trying to push this horrible feature out in October. We really need to make it loud and clear that this feature is a massive security risk, and seems poised to be abused by the worst of people, despite them saying it would be off by default. People can just find a way to get elevated rights, and turn the feature on, and your computer becomes a spying tool against users. This is just an awful idea. At its best, its a solution looking for a problem.

What’s your take? Do you agree with Microsoft’s decision to delay the Recall feature?