Windows Recall Disable
Windows Recall is an AI-powered feature for Copilot+ PCs that takes periodic screenshots of your screen to create a searchable "photographic memory" of your activity. While designed for productivity, it has faced criticism for privacy risks, as it can capture sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. If you prefer to keep your activity private, you can disable or even completely uninstall Recall using the following methods. 1. Disable via Windows Settings (Quickest Method) This method stops Recall from taking new snapshots but keeps the feature installed on your system. Can't Find Recall to disable it on my computer? : r/WindowsHelp As a reminder, this is a help subreddit, all comments must be a sincere attempt to help the OP or otherwise positively contribute. Reddit·r/WindowsHelp
Guide: Disabling Windows Recall Introduction Windows Recall, also known as Windows Search or SearchUI, is a feature in Windows 10 and later versions that allows users to search for files, apps, and other content on their device. While it can be a useful feature, some users may want to disable it due to concerns about data collection, privacy, or simply because they prefer not to use it. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to disable Windows Recall. Method 1: Disable Windows Recall using Settings
Open Settings : Click on the Start button and select the gear icon to open the Settings app. Search : Click on the "Search" option in the Settings app. Search settings : Click on "Searching Windows" on the left side. Turn off Windows Search : Toggle the switch under "Cloud search" to the "Off" position. Disable Search UI : Scroll down and toggle the switch under "Search online and include web results" to the "Off" position.
Method 2: Disable Windows Recall using Group Policy windows recall disable
Open Group Policy Editor : Press the Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc , and press Enter. Navigate to Search : Go to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Search". Disable Windows Search : Double-click on "Allow search to search the web" and select "Disabled". Disable Search UI : Double-click on "Allow search to search the web and display results in Search UI" and select "Disabled".
Method 3: Disable Windows Recall using Registry Editor Warning: Editing the registry can cause system instability or crashes if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution.
Open Registry Editor : Press the Windows key + R, type regedit , and press Enter. Navigate to Search : Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search . Create a new DWORD : Right-click on the right side and select "New" > "DWORD (32-bit) Value". Name it AllowSearch . Set the value : Double-click on the new DWORD and set its value to 0 . Windows Recall is an AI-powered feature for Copilot+
Method 4: Disable Windows Recall using Third-Party Tools There are also third-party tools available that can help disable Windows Recall, such as:
Windows 10 Debloat Tool : A tool that can remove or disable various Windows 10 features, including Windows Recall. O&O AppSorter : A tool that can help manage and disable Windows 10 apps, including SearchUI.
Conclusion Disabling Windows Recall can be done using various methods, including Settings, Group Policy, Registry Editor, or third-party tools. Before attempting to disable Windows Recall, make sure you understand the implications and potential risks associated with each method. If you're unsure, you may want to consider seeking guidance from a qualified IT professional. : r/WindowsHelp As a reminder, this is a
Here’s a proper, step-by-step guide to disable Windows Recall (a feature introduced with Copilot+ PCs on Windows 11 version 24H2 and later).
Important : Recall is only available on Copilot+ PCs with an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). If your PC doesn’t have one, you don’t have Recall. Recall takes periodic screenshots of your activity. Disabling it stops new snapshots but doesn’t delete existing ones unless you manually delete them.