How to Turn Off Recall: Stop Windows from Recording Everything

When it comes to privacy, Windows Recall has raised eyebrows. This new feature records every action on your PC, taking screenshots every five seconds. While it’s designed to be a “photographic memory” for your computer, some users may find it intrusive. Here’s how to disable Recall and regain control over your privacy.

What Is Windows Recall?

Windows Recall, introduced alongside Copilot+ PCs, captures snapshots of your screen every five seconds while you interact with your PC. These snapshots are saved locally and analyzed on your computer, allowing you to search for content in natural language. Essentially, Recall aims to help you find everything you’ve done on your PC.

How to Disable Recall

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security.
3. Click on Recall & Snapshots.
4. Deactivate the Save Snapshots option by moving the slider to the Off position.

Customizing Recall

If you’d like to keep Recall active but limit its scope, consider customizing it:

• Configure which apps and websites Recall is allowed to record.
• Enable automatic blocking of private browser windows (except for Edge’s InPrivate windows).

For detailed instructions, refer to Microsoft’s guidelines.

Temporarily Pausing Recall

Need a break from Recall? You can quickly pause it:

1. Click on the Recall icon in the taskbar.
2. Select the Stop/Pause Until Tomorrow option.

Remember, while Recall can be useful, it’s essential to strike a balance between convenience and privacy. Customize it to suit your needs and regain control over your digital footprint. 🕶️