Microsoft finally launches the controversial Recall feature after a long delay

Microsoft has finally launched the long-delayed Recall feature to Copilot+ PCs, nearly a year after its rocky debut. Today, the company announced that it will roll out over the next month as part of the April 2025 Windows non-security preview update.

Microsoft has finally launched Recall to Copilot + PCs as an opt-in experience

The newly launched Recall feature by Microsoft allows users to scroll through a visual timeline of past activities—apps, websites, documents—or search using natural language. Recall’s launch was initially hit by privacy and security concerns.

Announced in May 2024 by Microsoft, Recall’s constant screenshotting of user screens raised eyebrows of security experts, who even called it a “privacy nightmare.” Fears of hackers accessing sensitive data like passwords or private messages, plus scrutiny from the UK’s data watchdog, led Microsoft to postpone the planned June 2024 launch of Recall.

Since Microsoft heavily invested in the Recall feature, it started testing Recall with Windows Insiders in November 2024, hinting at immenent launch. As expected, Microsoft revamped the Recall feature to address the backlash. Disabled by default, this feature is now available as opt-in experience for Copilot + PCs users.

It further requires Windows Hello authentication (face, fingerprint, or PIN). It’s important to note that all your data is encrypted, stored locally, and not sent to the cloud or Microsoft. 

The company is also rolling out other AI features

Besides launching Recall feature, Microsoft is also pushing some other AI-powered features as part of the April 2025 update. It includes improved Windows Search and a “Click to Do” preview for quick actions like summarizing or editing on-screen content. Moreover, these features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, AI-ready Windows devices with dedicated NPUs.