Microsoft has officially launched Recall for all Copilot Plus PCs, marking a major milestone for the long-awaited feature. Recall is designed to capture snapshots of almost everything you do on your device, offering a new way to search and navigate your computer history. Alongside Recall, Microsoft is also introducing an improved AI-powered Windows search and a new feature called Click to Do, similar to Google’s Circle to Search.
Initially, Microsoft intended to release Recall alongside Copilot Plus PCs back in June last year. However, concerns raised by security researchers led to delays. Public testing was then planned for October but was later pushed to November to give Microsoft more time to strengthen security. Over the past 10 months, the company has made significant improvements, turning Recall into an opt-in feature. Users now have the choice to activate it, addressing privacy concerns.
Recall offers a unique timeline interface, allowing users to scroll through snapshots of their activities. According to Navjot Virk, corporate vice president of Windows Experiences, Recall was built to address a common frustration: helping users easily pick up where they left off. Instead of relying solely on file names, Recall categorizes snapshots for easier and more intuitive searches, making it ideal for locating vague memories or lost content.
Security researcher Kevin Beaumont, one of the first to raise alarms about Recall, recently tested the final version. Beaumont acknowledges that Microsoft has taken significant steps to secure the feature. The Recall database is now encrypted, sensitive information is filtered by default, and the service is opt-in rather than on by default.
Despite these improvements, Beaumont highlights some ongoing concerns. Filtering sensitive apps and websites is not always reliable and can occasionally be buggy. Another point of concern is security access: Recall can still be unlocked with a simple four-digit PIN through Windows Hello, instead of requiring more robust options like facial recognition or fingerprint authentication. Microsoft’s Recall documentation insists that users must enable at least one biometric sign-in method to use Recall, but real-world experiences suggest some flexibility remains.
AI Enhancements and the Introduction of Click to Do
Along with Recall, Microsoft is rolling out several other features focused on AI-powered productivity. The new Windows search experience uses natural language queries, making it easier to find files and settings. Instead of remembering a file name or location, users can simply describe what they’re looking for. For example, searching for “a brown dog” will return relevant images or documents without needing exact matches.
Another addition is Click to Do, a feature that closely mirrors Google’s Circle to Search. By pressing the Windows key and clicking with the left mouse button, users can take instant actions on text or images visible on their screens. These actions include summarizing content or removing unwanted objects from images with a few clicks.
Click to Do’s text-based actions are currently exclusive to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs. AMD and Intel device users will receive the feature within the next few months. Meanwhile, Recall and Click to Do are rolling out globally but will not reach the EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway until later this year, due to regulatory compliance work.
Microsoft’s AI improvements signal a major shift in how Windows users interact with their devices. With Recall, enhanced search capabilities, and instant screen actions, Windows is becoming smarter and more intuitive — but users must remain cautious about privacy settings.
The rollout of these features shows Microsoft’s commitment to balancing innovation with user control, offering powerful new tools while giving users the choice to opt in based on their comfort levels.
