In a recent Windows 11 update, users noticed that the controversial Recall feature seemed to be listed as removable through the Control Panel. However, Microsoft has clarified that this was not an intentional change but rather a bug, with a fix on the way.
Last week, Deskmodder reported that the latest 24H2 version of Windows 11 (KB5041865) allowed users to uninstall the Recall feature via the “Windows Features” section. This unexpected development led to speculation whether Microsoft was reconsidering the inclusion of Recall.
In a statement to The Verge, Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, explained, “We are aware of an issue where Recall is incorrectly listed as an option under the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ dialog in Control Panel. This will be fixed in an upcoming update.”
Recall is an AI-powered feature designed to take screenshots of nearly everything users do on their computers. Initially set to debut with Copilot Plus PCs in June, its launch was delayed after security researchers highlighted significant concerns. Specifically, the Recall database, which stores these snapshots, was not encrypted, potentially leaving it vulnerable to malware.
In response to these concerns, Microsoft has overhauled the feature. Recall will now be opt-in, with an encrypted database and authentication required through Windows Hello. The feature will enter preview with Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs in October.
Despite the confusion, Microsoft has confirmed that the appearance of an uninstall option for Recall was a mistake. As of now, there is no official way to remove the feature entirely. However, there is speculation that Microsoft may eventually need to add an uninstall option, especially for European Union users, due to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act. Microsoft has already had to add similar uninstall options for Edge and Bing search in the European Economic Area (EEA).
