What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If Recall is missing or will not open in Windows 11, first check whether the PC is a qualifying Copilot+ PC. If it is, try Windows + J, then check whether Recall is installed, snapshot saving is switched on, and Windows Hello and encryption requirements are met. On a work or school PC, an administrator may control availability.
1. Check whether your PC is eligible
Recall is available only on qualifying Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs; having Windows 11 by itself is not enough. Microsoft lists these minimum system requirements: a Secured-core standard, an NPU rated at 40 TOPS, 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Recall also needs at least 50 GB of free storage to be enabled. If available space drops below 25 GB, snapshot saving pauses automatically. These are Microsoft-published requirements, not independent performance measurements. See Microsoft’s Recall requirements.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If your PC does not meet the Copilot+ PC and system requirements, there is no Windows setting that can make it eligible. Consider a hardware change only if Recall is important to you; a new PC is not the remedy for a disabled setting, sign-in issue or organization restriction.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2. Try the supported ways to open Recall
- Press Windows + J.
- Open Start > All apps and select Recall.
- Select the Recall icon on the taskbar, if it is shown there.
Recall is optional, and opening it does not mean that it has been saving snapshots. If it opens but shows no past activity, check the saving setting next.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
3. Turn on snapshot saving
Snapshot collection is off until you choose to enable it. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots and turn on Save snapshots. You can also opt in when Recall presents its first-run prompt. On a PC with multiple Windows accounts, each person must make their own choice. Microsoft explains the available controls in its Recall privacy and control guide.
4. Check Windows Hello and encryption
Recall requires Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS), with at least one biometric sign-in option, and Device Encryption or BitLocker. If setup or access is blocked, check that biometric sign-in is configured and that device encryption is available and enabled. Do not assume that a PIN alone meets the biometric requirement. Recall uses Windows Hello authentication, and Microsoft’s privacy guidance describes the sign-in and security controls in its privacy guide.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
5. Restore Recall if it is missing
If the PC qualifies but Recall is not listed or does not appear in its usual launch locations, check whether the optional Windows feature is installed:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Search Windows for Turn Windows features on or off and open the matching control panel result.
- In the Windows Features dialog, select Recall if it is not already selected.
- Restart the PC when prompted.
Microsoft’s Recall navigation guide also documents enabling the feature through Windows Features and restarting. If Recall is already selected but still absent, check Windows Update and contact Microsoft Support or your device administrator. The published Recall guides do not specify a further Recall-specific repair command.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Unselecting Recall in Windows Features removes it, requires a restart and deletes saved snapshots. Do not use removal as a troubleshooting step unless you are willing to lose those snapshots.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Check whether work or school policies apply
An organization can remove or disable Recall, and some controls may be unavailable or greyed out on managed PCs. Contact your IT administrator to ask whether policy permits the feature. Microsoft says administrators can control whether snapshot saving is allowed, but cannot opt a user in to saving snapshots on that user’s behalf.
Rank #4
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
7. Use reset and Windows recovery cautiously
If Recall is installed and the earlier checks do not resolve the problem, the Recall settings include Reset Recall at Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots > Advanced settings. Resetting deletes all saved snapshots and resets Recall settings, so consider whether that data matters before proceeding. Broader Windows recovery is not a first-line fix for a Recall problem; Microsoft advises starting with the least disruptive recovery option and notes that some options can cause data loss. See Windows recovery options.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
