The flagship functionality of Copilot+ PC gets a makeover and becomes more secure

Initially planned as a flagship feature of Copilot+ PC, Recall, which allows you to find files and information from the computer's usage history, raised concerns about its security when it was announced.

Reinforced security measures

Faced with these concerns, Microsoft has thoroughly revised the design of Recall. Here are the main improvements:

• Manual activation: Recall is no longer enabled by default. Users must now choose to enable this feature.
• Strong Authentication: Enabling Recall requires Windows Hello to be configured, ensuring more secure biometric or PIN identification.
• Protection of sensitive data: Recall will no longer capture usernames, passwords or other sensitive information such as account numbers.
• Encryption and security: The data captured by Recall, as well as the search index, is now encrypted and protected by the computer's Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
• Uninstallation possible: Users have the option to completely uninstall Recall if they wish.

An initially rushed launch?

It is legitimate to question the reasons which pushed Microsoft to present Recall without having integrated these essential security measures from the start.

Microsoft plans to deploy Recall during the month of October on all Copilot+ PC computers, which currently equip models with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite/Plus processors. Laptops equipped with Intel Core Ultra 2 series and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors will be able to benefit from this feature starting in November.