Following several delays attributed to cybersecurity issues, Microsoft is formally launching its debated Recall feature for Copilot Plus PCs.

Starting Thursday, April 10, Microsoft has initiated a phased rollout of Recall in preview mode, as mentioned in a recent update on the Windows Insider blog. This feature operates by persistently capturing screenshots of a user’s display, generating a searchable visual log of their actions (via The Verge). This functionality enables users to revisit anything they have previously seen on their device.

When Recall was initially revealed, former Tech Editor at Mashable, Kimberly Gedeon, likened it to elements from the dystopian series Black Mirror. She characterized it as “similar to pressing CTRL + H or Command Y, but instead of simply retrieving your browser history, you’re gaining insights into everything you’ve ever viewed on your Surface PC.”

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Introduced during Microsoft Build in May 2024, Recall quickly incited criticism from cybersecurity professionals. Detractors cautioned that the feature might introduce significant vulnerabilities by recording every action on the screen, with one ex-Microsoft cybersecurity analyst labeling it a “disaster.”

In light of the backlash, Microsoft delayed the feature’s launch multiple times to tackle security concerns. A key adjustment was switching Recall to an opt-in feature instead of activating it by default. A limited preview was made available in December 2024 to certain members of the Windows Insider program. During testing, The Verge described the feature as “creepy, clever, and compelling.”

Currently, Recall is gradually being released to all users of Copilot Plus PCs, offering the choice to enable or disable it. However, early users discovered that Recall was capturing sensitive information such as credit card and Social Security numbers, despite Microsoft’s assurances that this would not occur.

While Recall cannot be removed, it can be deactivated. Users must actively opt in to utilize the feature, and Microsoft emphasizes that they can halt screenshot recording at any moment. These details are outlined in the most recent Windows 11 Build release notes.

As Recall becomes more accessible, users will need to consider its convenience against the possible privacy implications.