Windows Recall, an AI-powered assistant that regularly intercepts your screen so you can ask about things you have done in the past and make a comeback after being recalled again due to privacy issues. Here is how Windows 11 Pro users disable it completely ( again , hopefully permanent this time).

Revisiting Windows Recall

There have been many reports on the controversy about Windows Recall, but it is worth a quick review: Microsoft announced that Windows 11 will take screenshots regularly when you use your computer and process these images via AI, allowing you to query your previous activities.

Everyone was shocked by this obvious security and privacy concern. Later people discovered that these screenshots (including your private computer usage records, such as online banking, private conversations, etc.) were stored in an unencrypted form and could be read by any application, which further confirmed people's concerns.

So Microsoft paused the Recall function to adjust and then re-release it; but the problem emerged again and had to withdraw it again. Now, Recall is back, allegedly the final version. Users can now manually exclude specific applications and websites from records, but most people are likely to have no idea about this setting or are too lazy to operate.

Although the option to turn off Recall is provided in Windows settings (and the default state should now be "off"), there are still many users who want to find a more thorough solution in case it quietly resurrects after the system is updated - after all, Windows features are sometimes automatically turned on after updates.

Of course, some people think this type of function is useful and are not worried about potential privacy risks. If you are one of these carefree crowds, you can skip the rest of this article to enjoy life. To be honest, "ignorance" is sometimes indeed a kind of happiness when it comes to online privacy.

How to Disable Windows Recall on Windows 11 Pro

Windows 11 Pro version allows access to the local Group Policy Editor (the feature is also available in the Enterprise and Education Editions, but is rarely used by home users). This tool allows you to make configuration changes to your system that are beyond the scope of your control panel or settings.

Since Recall is really fully launched this time, the Group Policy has finally added the option to completely turn it off, and this time it should not be overwritten by system updates. Since Group Policy is often used by enterprises for compliance management, its settings are usually not easily overturned by subsequent updates.

Here are the steps to disable Windows Recall using local group policy: Right-click the "Start" button, select "Run", enter the command "gpedit.msc", and then press OK to open the local group policy editor.

Next, expand in the left navigation tree: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI.

Double-click the "Close Snapshot Save for Recall" policy item to edit, set it to "Enabled", and then click OK. Just close the Group Policy Editor. Recall Goodbye.

If you are curious about the specific impact of this change, you can consult the official Microsoft documentation.

Recall alternatives for Windows 11 Home Edition users

If you haven't paid for upgrading to Windows 11 Pro, there are still some workarounds to prevent Recall from running: such as turning off biometric authentication, or disabling device encryption and BitLocker, because these are prerequisites for Recall to work properly.

To remove biometric authentication and prevent Recall from launching, open the Windows Settings app from the Start menu, go to Account > Login Options. Select each biometric function one by one and click the "Delete" button.

It should be noted that if you are using a portable device or are in a shared environment for multiple people, disabling these enhanced authentication methods and disk encryption may pose security risks because your computer is not always under full control.

Another option is to simply not let your device meet Recall's high-threshold system requirements - this is not difficult to do.

Make Windows safer and more private

If you want to make Windows 11 more privacy-oriented, here are 6 recommended features, and 11 more privacy settings worth adjusting.

The operating system isn't the only thing trying to spy on you: spyware and malicious programs are still rampant, and hackers and scammers are constantly looking for new ways to trick you into handing over device and account permissions (or just cheat money).

Stay alert, use top antivirus software, and follow best security practices. You can also try Linux – while it may require a little technical foundation, it will give you real control over your computing experience.

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