Microsoft delay Recall feature on Windows 11 yet again, citing security concerns, now coming in December

Microsoft has once again postponed the release of its controversial Recall feature on Windows 11, pushing the launch date further into the future. Originally slated for a June 2024 release, then delayed to October, the company has now announced that Windows Insiders won’t get access to Recall until November at the earliest, but more likely in December 2024.

What is the Recall feature on Windows 11?

The Recall feature is an AI-powered feature designed for Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11. It captures screenshots of most activities and visuals on a user’s computer, allowing them to search for and retrieve previously viewed items. The feature also includes an interactive timeline that enables users to scroll through captured snapshots, facilitating a review of their work on specific days.

Security concerns and improvements

As first reported by The Verge, the delay stems from ongoing security concerns that have plagued the feature since its announcement. Security analysts initially discovered that the Recall database lacked encryption, potentially making it vulnerable to malware attacks. In response, Microsoft has implemented significant modifications to address these issues:

1. Opt-in model: Recall will now be disabled by default, requiring users to actively enable the feature.
2. Database encryption: The company is encrypting the Recall database to enhance data protection.
3. Windows Hello authentication: Users will need to authenticate via Windows Hello to access Recall functions.
4. Virtualization-based security: The snapshot system, search functionality, and images will be enclosed within a virtualization-based security enclave (VBS Enclave).
5. Privacy controls: Users can choose apps and websites to ignore, set retention periods for Recall images, and delete content from specific time ranges or apps.

David Weston, Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft, emphasized the company’s commitment to security, stating, “Recall leverages Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security to authorize Recall-related operations. This includes actions like changing Recall settings and run-time authorization of access to the Recall user interface (UI).”

Timeline of delays

The journey of Recall has been marked by several setbacks:

1. May 2024: Microsoft unveils Recall, sparking immediate privacy and security concerns.
2. June 2024: The initial release is delayed for further security testing.
3. August 2024: Microsoft announces an October release date for Windows Insiders.
4. October 31, 2024: The company pushes the release to November, citing ongoing security enhancements.

Copilot+ PCs and market reception

The repeated delays of Recall have undoubtedly impacted the rollout of Copilot+ PCs, which were designed to showcase this AI-powered feature. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had previously expressed enthusiasm about early reviews of Copilot+ PCs. However, the absence of Recall may have contributed to the slow demand for AI PCs noted by Gartner in their Q2 2024 report.

When will Microsoft re-release Recall on Windows 11?

As Microsoft continues to refine the Recall feature on Windows 11, the tech community remains divided on its potential benefits and risks. Kevin Beaumont, director of emerging threats at Arcadia Group and a vocal Recall critic, stated that “as a community we’ll need to test the security implications out extensively.”

The ultimate success of Recall will depend on Microsoft’s ability to balance innovative AI functionality with robust security measures. As the November release approaches, all eyes will be on the Windows Insider program to see how well Microsoft has addressed the concerns surrounding this ambitious feature.

While the delays may be frustrating for some users eager to experience the Recall feature on Windows 11 and its capability’s, they demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to prioritizing security and user privacy in the face of evolving AI technologies. As David Weston noted, these enhancements may pave the way for future sensitive data processing on edge devices, potentially opening up new possibilities for AI integration in personal computing.