Microsoft‘s controversial Recall feature, intended to track user activity on Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs, has been delayed again. Initially set to launch with these new laptops in June, Recall faced significant privacy concerns due to its extensive tracking capabilities.
In response to backlash, Microsoft decided to change Recall from a default setting to an opt-in feature with added security measures. However, this move wasn’t enough. On June 13th, the company announced that Recall would be removed from the initial Copilot+ PC launch and instead released as a preview within the Windows Insider Program (WIP).
Today’s update extends the wait for public access to Recall even further. Originally expected to be available “in the coming weeks” for WIP users, the preview is now pushed back to October. This delay suggests that Microsoft is still working on addressing security issues and refining the feature with input from the Insider community.
Microsoft’s statement reads, “With a commitment to delivering a trustworthy and secure Recall (preview) experience, we’re sharing an update that Recall will be available to Windows Insiders starting in October.”
This approach aligns with Microsoft’s previous strategy of using the Insider program to test potentially risky features. Data miners have reportedly found new hidden Recall features in a Canary Channel build of Windows 11 in June, indicating ongoing development. These early insights suggest further iterations—potentially with more privacy and security enhancements—before Recall is available to WIP users.
The official release of Recall to the general Copilot+ user base remains uncertain. With the October preview for Insiders, it may be several more months before the feature becomes widely available for Windows 11. This extended delay reflects Microsoft’s cautious approach, as the company aims to address privacy concerns and ensure a secure implementation before broader deployment.
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