This tool unlocks Windows' AI-powered Recall feature for unsupported PCs
What is the primary function of Microsoft's Recall feature for Windows?
The primary function of Microsoft's Recall feature for Windows is to help users find anything they've ever looked at on their PC. It achieves this by taking snapshots of the user's activities on the computer, storing them locally, and utilizing AI to recognize text, images, and videos on the snapshots. Users can then search the Recall timeline to find something they previously viewed, such as an image, website, document, or email, even if they only remember vague contextual clues.
How does the Recall feature work to help users find previously accessed content on their PCs?
The Recall feature works by taking periodic snapshots of the user's screen while they are using their PC. These snapshots are then stored locally on the computer, and Recall uses local multi-modal small language models to recognize text, images, and videos on them. When a user wants to find previously accessed content, they can search the Recall timeline using vague contextual clues or specific phrases, and Recall will retrieve the relevant snapshots2. Since the snapshots are stored locally and offline, the user's data is supposed to remain private and secure.
How does the Recall feature ensure user privacy and data security?
The Recall feature ensures user privacy and data security through several measures:
-
Local storage and processing: All snapshots taken by Recall are stored locally on the user's device, and AI processing to analyze these snapshots also happens on the device. This means that no data is uploaded to the cloud for processing, which reduces the risk of data breaches.
-
Encryption: Snapshots are encrypted by Device Encryption or BitLocker, which are enabled by default on Windows 11. This adds an extra layer of security to the stored data.
-
User control: Users have the ability to pause, stop, or delete captured content. They can also exclude specific apps or websites from being captured in snapshots, providing them with greater control over their privacy.
-
Privacy settings: Recall doesn't share snapshots with other users signed into Windows on the same device. Microsoft also can't access or view the snapshots, and users can delete their snapshots at any time from the device settings.
-
Secured-core PC: All Copilot+ PCs are Secured-core PCs, which is the highest security standard for Windows 11 devices to be included on consumer PCs2. This feature provides additional security measures to protect user data.
-
Microsoft Pluton security processor: This processor is included by default on Copilot+ PCs, adding another layer of security to the device2.
-
Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS): Copilot+ PC devices with compatible hardware ship with this feature, which enables more secure sign-in using biometric data or a device-specific PIN.
By implementing these security measures, the Recall feature aims to provide users with a secure and private experience while helping them easily find and remember things they've seen on their PC.