Microsoft delays the launch of controversial Windows Recall feature due to huge backlash

Microsoft has announced a significant change to its upcoming Copilot+ PCs launch scheduled for June 18. The company will not include the anticipated Windows Recall feature due to substantial backlash over security concerns. Windows Recall, which captures screen snapshots every few seconds, was found to store sensitive user data in an unencrypted state, prompting serious concerns among security researchers.

In response, Microsoft has delayed the release of Windows Recall indefinitely, stating that the feature will now be available for testing through the Windows Insider Program "in the coming weeks." Despite having previously announced significant changes to Recall's functionality based on the multiple security concerns during the backlash—such as making Recall an opt-in feature during Windows 11 installation, mandating user authentication through Windows Hello, and encrypting the search index database—the company comments that it still plans to address the security issues and gather feedback from the Insider Community before making the feature broadly available.

Despite the delay, Copilot+ PCs will still debut with several advanced features, including enhanced Studio Effects, Cocreator in Paint, image generation in Microsoft Photos, and live caption translations. Microsoft has assured users that a future Windows Update will eventually add Windows Recall to these devices once the security concerns are resolved.