Windows Recall, a flagship feature of Copilot+ PCs, records your screen activity every few seconds to create a searchable timeline using AI. While convenient, it poses significant privacy and security risks for business users who handle sensitive data.
To disable Windows Recall, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots and toggle off “Save snapshots.” For a complete removal, you must uninstall the component via Settings > Apps > Optional features. This guide provides a technical walkthrough for disabling, deleting data, and fully uninstalling the Recall feature from your system.
Quick Solutions: 3 Levels of Removal
- Disable Recording: Stop the background process from capturing new snapshots.
- Delete History: Wipe all previously recorded screen data from local storage.
- Full Uninstallation: Remove the Recall component entirely from the Windows OS.
1. Understanding Technical Risks in Business Environments
While Recall uses the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for local processing, the “Snapshots” it creates can capture highly sensitive information. In a professional setting, the primary concerns include:
* Exposure of Confidential Data: Bank details, passwords, and internal company documents are recorded as visual data.
* Malware Exploitation: If an unauthorized user gains access to the local account, the entire history of PC usage can be exported.
* Storage Consumption: High-resolution snapshots can consume several gigabytes of disk space over time.
2. Step 1: Disabling Recall in Windows Settings
The first step is to stop the continuous recording of your screen.
1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Navigate to Privacy & security on the left sidebar.
3. Click on Recall & snapshots.
4. Toggle the switch for “Save snapshots” to Off.
Once turned off, Windows will no longer record your screen. You can also use the “Filtered Apps” section to exclude specific browsers or internal software from being recorded.
3. Step 2: Deleting All Saved Snapshots
Disabling the feature does not automatically delete the data already stored on your hard drive. You must manually clear the history.
1. In the same Recall & snapshots menu, scroll down to the “Delete snapshots” section.
2. Click the “Delete all” button.
3. Confirm by clicking “Delete” in the pop-up window.
This action permanently erases the AI’s searchable database of your past activities.
4. Step 3: Fully Uninstalling the Recall Component
If you prefer to remove the feature entirely from the operating system, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings > Apps.
2. Click on Optional features.
3. In the “Installed features” search bar, type “Recall”.
4. Click the three dots (…) next to Windows Recall and select Uninstall.
5. Restart your PC to apply the changes.
After uninstallation, the Recall entry will disappear from the Privacy settings, effectively removing the feature at the system level.
5. Professional Insight: Exercising “The Right Not to Use”
In the era of AI-integrated operating systems, the ability to selectively disable features is a critical aspect of digital literacy. Microsoft’s shift to an opt-in model for Recall in 2025 acknowledges that for many professionals, privacy sovereignty outweighs the benefits of an AI-powered timeline.
By manually disabling these components, you regain control over your visual privacy and reduce the attack surface of your workstation. Always prioritize system integrity and data confidentiality over experimental convenience.
Summary: Optimizing AI and Privacy Balance
Disabling Windows Recall is a straightforward process that ensures your professional activities remain private. Whether you choose to simply toggle it off or perform a full uninstallation, these steps allow you to customize your Copilot+ PC environment to meet your security standards. You can reinstall the feature at any time through the Optional Features menu if your workflow requires it in the future.