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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Microsoft Recall is available on qualifying Copilot+ PCs, but “the October launch” was not an October 2026 release. Microsoft’s August 21, 2024 plan called for a Windows Insider preview in October 2024. On October 31, 2024, Microsoft postponed that preview to December. On April 25, 2025, Microsoft announced general availability on Copilot+ PCs through the April 2025 Windows non-security preview update, while continuing to label Recall a “preview” experience.
What happened to the October Recall launch?
The October date referred to a planned Windows Insider preview in October 2024, not a confirmed public launch in October 2026. Microsoft’s timeline was:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 7, 2024 | Microsoft published an update describing Recall’s privacy controls and security approach. |
| August 21, 2024 | Microsoft said Recall would begin rolling out to Windows Insiders in October. |
| October 31, 2024 | Microsoft said it needed more time and moved the Insider preview to December. |
| April 25, 2025 | Microsoft announced general availability of Recall (preview) on Copilot+ PCs, delivered through the April 2025 Windows non-security preview update or later, with a gradual consumer rollout. |
Microsoft said rollout timing varied by device and market, with the European Economic Area following later in 2025. Current Microsoft Support and Learn pages still describe Recall as a preview experience. That product label is separate from whether the feature has begun rolling out to eligible hardware.
Is Windows Recall available yet?
Yes, but only on supported Copilot+ PCs and compatible Windows builds. Availability is not the same as an automatic upgrade for every Windows 11 computer. Microsoft’s April 2025 announcement covered a gradual rollout, so Windows Update, device model, processor platform and market can affect when the option appears.
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- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Recall is also optional. Microsoft says snapshot saving is off until the user explicitly opts in. On organization-managed commercial or education PCs, Recall is removed by default until an IT administrator allows the feature; even then, the user must choose whether to save snapshots.
What Recall actually does
When snapshot saving is enabled, Windows periodically saves images of the active screen together with information that helps Recall index what was displayed. A visual timeline and semantic search let you look for text or visual material you remember seeing and return to the associated app, website, image or document.
- Recall saves periodic screen snapshots, not a continuous video recording.
- Microsoft says it does not record audio.
- Search can use natural descriptions as well as remembered words or on-screen details.
- Snapshots remain available only according to the retention and storage settings you choose.
Does my PC support Recall?
Windows 11 alone is not enough. Microsoft’s current requirements identify Recall as a Copilot+ PC feature. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and Windows Update before buying or troubleshooting a device.
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- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
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- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
| Requirement | Microsoft’s stated baseline |
|---|---|
| Computer category | Secured-core Copilot+ PC with a Qualcomm, Intel or AMD processor platform. |
| Neural processing | At least a 40 TOPS NPU. |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM. |
| Storage | 256 GB capacity, with at least 50 GB free to enable Recall. |
| Operating system | April 2025 Windows non-security preview update or later, according to Microsoft Learn and Support documentation. |
| Security | Device encryption or BitLocker, plus Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security and at least one biometric sign-in method. |
| Architecture note | Microsoft says Arm64EC is not currently supported. |
Recall automatically pauses snapshot saving when free storage falls below 25 GB. Requirements and supported configurations can change, so verify the live Microsoft documentation for your exact model and Windows version.
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Browser filtering support
Microsoft lists Edge, Firefox, Opera and Chrome as supporting filters for specified websites and private-browsing activity. Other Chromium-based browsers at version 124 or later can filter private-browsing activity but, according to Microsoft’s current Support page, do not filter specific websites.
Is Recall turned on by default?
No. Microsoft says snapshots are off by default until you opt in. Windows Hello authentication is required to open Recall or change its settings, so another person using the unlocked desktop cannot simply browse the Recall archive without that authentication step.
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
During setup, read the snapshot-saving choice carefully. You can use Recall without allowing new snapshots only to the extent that existing data and the available controls permit; the feature’s search value depends on snapshots being saved.
Does Recall send screenshots to Microsoft?
Microsoft says snapshot processing and storage occur locally. It says Microsoft cannot access or view the snapshots, and that they are not shared with third parties or other Windows users on the device. Microsoft also describes the snapshots and associated index data as encrypted, with protection tied to Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security.
Those statements describe Microsoft’s design and controls, not an independent security audit or a guarantee that every risk has been eliminated. Ordinary Windows diagnostic-data choices still apply according to your Windows privacy settings. If you submit feedback from Recall, Microsoft says the feedback can include Recall data, including screenshots that you attach.
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- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Controls you should configure before using Recall
- Pause or turn off snapshot saving: stop new captures temporarily or disable them altogether.
- Filter content: exclude supported applications and websites, including private-browsing activity where the browser supports it.
- Delete snapshots: remove individual snapshots or clear stored history.
- Set storage limits: constrain how much disk space Recall may use.
- Set retention: choose how long snapshots are kept.
Microsoft says sensitive-information filtering is enabled by default and may detect items such as passwords and credit-card information. Treat that as a safeguard, not a guarantee: automated filtering may miss sensitive material. For especially confidential work, pause saving before displaying it or exclude the relevant app and site.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Microsoft claims about usefulness
Microsoft’s April 25, 2025 announcement cited a Microsoft-commissioned online study of 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 13 or older, conducted by Edelman DXI and Assembly in March 2025; 69% said they felt overwhelmed by too much information. The same announcement cited a Microsoft-commissioned Principled Technologies test conducted in March 2025 that reported up to 70% less time to find and re-engage with a PowerPoint presentation using pre-release Recall on Copilot+ PCs versus a manual workflow on a Windows 10 PC.
The 70% figure is a vendor-reported result from a commissioned test. Microsoft noted that actual outcomes vary with device specifications, configuration, usage and other factors. No independent adoption figure or independent effectiveness study is established here, so those numbers should not be treated as a guarantee.
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- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Should you buy a Copilot+ PC for Recall?
Start with the computer you already own:
- Check whether it is sold as a Copilot+ PC and identify its Qualcomm, Intel or AMD processor.
- Confirm the 40 TOPS NPU, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage baselines.
- Verify that at least 50 GB is free and that device encryption or BitLocker is enabled.
- Set up Windows Hello with a supported biometric sign-in and Enhanced Sign-in Security.
- Install the April 2025 Windows non-security preview update or a later supported build, then check Windows Settings and Windows Update for Recall.
If your current computer fails the Copilot+ hardware or security requirements, buying an eligible Copilot+ PC is the access route; there is no software-only switch that turns an ordinary Windows 11 PC into a supported Recall device. Microsoft names Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft Surface and Samsung among Copilot+ PC manufacturers, but model eligibility still depends on the exact configuration.
The practical answer to “When is Microsoft Recall coming out?”
The October milestone was a delayed 2024 Insider preview. Recall subsequently reached general availability on eligible Copilot+ PCs in 2025, while Microsoft retained the “preview” label in its documentation. There is no substantiated new October 2026 launch in the cited Microsoft material. Whether you can use it now depends primarily on your PC meeting the Copilot+ requirements, your Windows build and your market’s rollout status.
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