While the latest Windows 11 update makes it seem like the upcoming and controversial Recall feature can be easily removed by users, Microsoft tells us that it’s just a bug and not to worry.
Deskmodder detected the change last week in the latest 24H2 version of Windows 11, and it seems that the KB5041865 version offers the possibility to uninstall Recall from the Windows Features section.
“We are aware of an issue where Recall incorrectly appears as an option in the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ dialog box in Control Panel,” said Windows Senior Product Manager Brandon LeBlanc in a statement to The Verge. “This will be fixed in an upcoming update.”
It’s all part of an error; they don’t want you to delete Windows Recall
The controversial Recall AI feature, which takes screenshots of almost everything seen or done on a computer, was originally set to debut with PC Copilot Plus in June.
Microsoft was forced to delay the feature after security researchers expressed their concerns. Microsoft says it is still on track for Windows Insiders on PC Copilot Plus in October, after the company has had more time to make significant changes to Recall.
Security researchers initially discovered that the Recall database, which stores snapshots of your computer every few seconds, was not encrypted, and malware could potentially have accessed the Recall function.
Microsoft has decided that the AI-based feature will be activated optionally instead of by default, that the database is encrypted, and that authentication is done through Windows Hello.
Tom Warren has asked Microsoft if it will allow Windows users to completely uninstall Recall, as suggested by its appearance in the list of Windows features, but the company has only confirmed that it is an “incorrect list” for now.
Microsoft may have to add a Recall uninstall option to copies of Windows 11 in the EU to comply with the Digital Markets Law of the European Commission. Microsoft has already had to add an uninstall option for Edge in the countries of the European Economic Area, along with the ability to remove Bing web search from the Start menu.
