Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature, which aims to track user activity on Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs, has been delayed again. Originally scheduled to launch with these new laptops in June, Recall faced significant privacy concerns due to its extensive tracking capabilities.
In response to the backlash, Microsoft decided to turn Recall from a default setting into an optional feature with additional security measures. But the move wasn’t enough. On June 13, the company announced that Recall would be removed from the initial Copilot+ PC launch and would instead be released as a preview within the Windows Insider Program.
The latest update extends the wait for Recall to become available to the general public even further. Originally expected to be available to Windows Insiders “in the coming weeks,” the preview has now been pushed back to October. The delay suggests that Microsoft is still working to address security issues and improve the feature with input from the Insider community.
“With our commitment to delivering a reliable and secure Recall (preview) experience, we are sharing an update announcing that Recall will be available to Windows Insiders starting in October,” Microsoft said in a statement.
This approach is consistent with Microsoft’s previous strategy of using the Insider program to test potentially risky features. Data miners reportedly found new hidden Recall features in the Canary Channel version of Windows 11 in June, indicating ongoing development. This early feedback suggests that more iterations with more privacy and security improvements are needed before Recall is released to Windows Insiders.
Microsoft is taking a cautious approach to the Windows Recall experience
It remains unclear when Recall will roll out to all Copilot+ users. With an October preview for Insiders, it could be several more months before the feature becomes widely available for Windows 11. This long delay reflects Microsoft’s cautious approach as the company aims to address privacy concerns and ensure a secure implementation before a wider rollout.