Windows controversial function cannot be uninstalled after all

Windows Recall, the controversial feature that is supposed to make all content on a PC easily searchable using AI, will become an integral part of the operating system. Recently it became apparent that the feature can be uninstalled if desired. However, this was just a mistake. Microsoft

But complete removal is not possible

Recently, in the course of the release of the optional update KB5041865 for Windows 11 24H2, it was discovered that Microsoft had added a new entry for Windows Recall in the settings for “optional features”. Previously, it was assumed that Windows Recall could be deactivated but not completely removed. Microsoft has now clarified that nothing has actually changed in this regard.

According to Microsoft, the introduction of the new uninstall option in the area for optional features with the update for Windows 11 24H2 is merely a mistake. Tried out Windows 11 Recall: the new ‘killer feature’ in the hands-on

Upcoming update should fix bugs

As product manager Brandon LeBlanc told the US magazine The Verge announced that they had become aware of an error in which an entry for Recall was mistakenly added to the Control Panel in the area for “turning Windows features on and off”. This problem will be fixed with one of the upcoming updates, LeBlanc clarified. Apparently, Windows Recall will not be easy to remove.

On top of that, it is likely that Microsoft will not activate the new feature by default on appropriately equipped PCs, but will always ask for the user’s consent. In any case, Recall can only officially be used on PCs that have a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with at least 40 TOPS AI performance.

Recall was officially presented for the first time at the end of May, but quickly received massive criticism because it was shown that the database with the information captured via screenshots and text recognition for searching by the AI system was stored unencrypted on the respective host system. Microsoft therefore postponed the launch by several months, so that Windows Recall is probably not expected to be officially available before October 2024.