Recall

Recall is a new AI-powered search feature introduced by Microsoft in 2024 for Copilot+ PCs running Windows. The feature works by taking automatic snapshots (screenshots) of user activity every few seconds and when content changes on the active window. These snapshots are encrypted and stored locally on the user's hard drive, allowing users to search through their PC activity history using natural language queries or an explorable timeline. Users can find and jump back into previously viewed content including apps, documents, and websites.

When a user finds relevant content, they can interact with it using "Click to Do" functionality, which enables copying text, editing images, or relaunching the original content. The feature includes built-in privacy protections - snapshots are encrypted, protected with Windows Hello authentication, and only accessible by the signed-in user. Users must explicitly opt-in to enable snapshot saving and can pause or disable the feature at any time.

The feature is optimized for select languages including English, Chinese (simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. It includes filtering capabilities to exclude specific apps, websites, and sensitive information like passwords and credit card details from being captured. The functionality also requires Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for accessing saved snapshots.

Key customers and partnerships
The feature is currently available in preview to Copilot+ PCs through the Windows Insider Program. Microsoft has partnered with PC manufacturers including HP, Lenovo and other computer makers to release the first Copilot+ PCs with Recall functionality.