Microsoft Delays Widespread Release of Windows Recall

Microsoft Windows Recall AI feature won’t be fully released just yet. Microsoft is delaying its launch and offering Recall to its Windows Insider Program. The company revealed this new effect in a blog post on Thursday.

Unfortunately, the Recall feature no longer has an official release date. Also, Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs will ship without the feature when they launch on June 18. 

Microsoft Windows Recall

This development is after all the controversy surrounding the privacy implication of Recall, the company has decided to release Recall through the Windows Insider Program in the coming weeks, allowing for more testing and feedback before a wider rollout.

Microsoft said Recall’s delay was rooted in its commitment to providing a trusted, secure and robust experience for all customers.

It is also delayed to seek additional feedback before making the feature available to all Copilot+ PC users.

The Recall feature will be available to all Copilot+ PCs after the company has received feedback from WIP. 

WIPS is the Microsoft public software testing program that allows “Windows’ biggest fans” to preview forthcoming features. 

Elon Miusk Comment On Microsoft Windows Recall 

Simon Pardo, director of technology specialist Computer Care, dubbed the Recall feature “a worrisome product, particularly from a security standpoint”.

He said, “By compiling a user’s complete digital history across Microsoft services it creates a single point of failure that could be catastrophic for businesses.” 

Also Read: Microsoft Unveils New AI-Powered Copilot+ PCs

According to Reuters, Privacy concerns were raised soon after the announcement of the feature. Some social media users expressed fears claiming it could enable spying.  Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, called it a “Black Mirror episode”. The description is in line with a Netflix series that explores the harmful effects of advanced technology.

Former Employees Speak On The New Feature

Jim Alkove, a former Microsoft employee of 16 years who worked as an executive on its security and technical strategy, expressed his opinion in a statement to PCMag.

He said, “The fact that Recall could be accessed without admin rights was scary, potentially exposing user information.”

He went on to say, “While these changes are a move in the right direction, more work is needed to protect this sensitive information.” 

Former Microsoft employees have also raised concerns about the tech giant’s security practices more broadly. 

Also, ex-Microsoft employee Andrew Harris told Pro-Publica that he urged Microsoft to fix a major security bug for years that eventually resulted to the 2020 SolarWinds cyberattack.