Microsoft’s introduction of the Recall feature for Windows 11 earlier this year, which involves AI-driven screenshot analysis for searching through activity history, faced significant pushback. Privacy concerns and questions about the volume of data collected led to widespread criticism.
Although Recall could be turned off, the outcry did not subside, leading Microsoft to postpone the feature’s full release and return it to testing phases. Recall is currently accessible only to Windows Insiders.
In an unexpected development, Microsoft has now enabled users to fully uninstall Recall. This update, part of the optional KB5041865 preview build, treats Recall as a separate feature rather than a core system component. To uninstall it, users need to go to Control Panel, navigate to Programs, select “Turn Windows features on or off,” and uncheck the box for Windows Recall.
This stealthy update, which has not yet been officially announced by Microsoft, was uncovered by keen-eyed Windows Insiders. An official statement from Microsoft is anticipated, but for now, users have new flexibility regarding the feature.