Windows 11 Recall
Windows 11 Recall: why you (probably) don’t have it, and why that’s good for privacy
You may have heard about Windows Recall, Microsoft’s new AI feature that takes screenshots of your screen every few seconds, stores them locally, and lets you search your PC activity like a timeline.
It sounds useful for some… but it raised huge privacy concerns when announced.
The good news? Most people don’t have it, and can’t even turn it on.
Let me explain why it’s missing on your PC, what it actually does, and why I’d disable it immediately if it ever appeared.
What Is Windows Recall?
Recall is a Copilot+ PC exclusive feature:
Takes snapshots of your active screen every few seconds.
Uses on-device AI to make the images searchable (find that web page I had open last week).
Stores everything encrypted on your local drive.
Microsoft claims no data leaves your PC.
It launched in late 2025, but only on specific new hardware.
Why you don’t see the setting
Go to Settings > Privacy & security, you won’t find Recall & snapshots.
That’s because Recall is only available on Copilot+ PCs:
New high-end laptops/tablets released from mid-2025 onward.
Must have a powerful NPU (Neural Processing Unit), 40+ TOPS for AI processing.
Examples: some Surface devices, certain Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite models, new Intel/AMD AI chips.
If your PC is older (or even a 2024 model without the right NPU), Recall simply doesn’t exist on your system, no toggle, no snapshots, nothing.
What does Powerful NPU with 40+ TOPS mean?
NPU stands for Neural Processing Unit, it’s a specialized chip (or part of a chip) designed specifically for running AI and machine-learning tasks efficiently.
Unlike a regular CPU (which handles general computing) or GPU (great for graphics and parallel tasks), an NPU is optimized for the kind of math AI models need: things like neural networks, image recognition, voice processing, and on-device AI features (like Windows Recall, Copilot+ tools, or background blur in video calls).
TOPS = Tera Operations Per Second, a measure of how many trillion calculations the chip can do per second.
40+ TOPS means the NPU can handle heavy local AI workloads without sending data to the cloud.
For comparison:
Older laptops: often 0–10 TOPS (or no dedicated NPU).
Current high-end phones: ~20–40 TOPS.
Copilot+ PCs (2025): 40–50+ TOPS required for full Recall and advanced AI features.
Microsoft set this 40+ TOPS bar so Recall and other Copilot+ features run smoothly and privately on-device — no cloud dependency, lower power use, faster response.
Check if you have it:
Settings > System > About: look for Copilot+ PC label or check your processor specs.
My view: I’d turn It OFF immediately
Even though Microsoft says it’s local and encrypted:
Constant screenshots feel invasive.
Potential for bugs, malware access, or future cloud integration.
In banking IT, we never allowed anything that recorded user activity without explicit need and consent.
If Recall ever appears on a future PC of mine:
Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots > Save snapshots → OFF
First thing I do.
While Recall is currently exclusive to new Copilot+ PCs with powerful NPUs (40+ TOPS), this will change over time. As Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm release more affordable chips with strong AI performance in 2026 and beyond, these capabilities will trickle down to mid-range and even budget laptops. Expect many normal Windows laptops to meet the Copilot+ requirements within the next 1–2 years. That means Recall (and similar always-on AI features) could appear on your next everyday machine, often enabled by default. Keep an eye on device specs when buying a new laptop, and check Settings > Privacy & security on day one to review and disable any new AI snapshot features if privacy is a priority.
The Privacy Win for most users
Right now, the vast majority of Windows 11 users (including you and me) are protected by default, because our hardware doesn’t support it.
No action needed. No snapshots taken.
If you buy a new Copilot+ PC in the future, check that setting on day one.
Final thought
Features like Recall show Microsoft pushing AI hard, sometimes faster than privacy considerations.
Until there’s full user control and transparency, I’ll stick to my old-school habits: manual screenshots when I need them.
Do you have a Copilot+ PC and Recall enabled? Or glad it’s missing? Let me know in the comments!
This brings us to the end of my post on Windows 11 Recall.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post on Windows 11 Recall.
I hope you found it enjoyable and insightful.
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Disclaimer
All tips and methods mentioned in this blog are tested on Windows 11. Please note that results may vary on other operating systems or versions of Windows. Adapt the instructions accordingly.
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