Microsoft is offering select users an exclusive preview of its revamped Recall feature, available on Copilot+ PCs, part of the Windows Insider Program. Recall, an AI-powered search tool, allows users to retrieve previously viewed content by taking screenshots of all their activities. Initially rolled out as part of Windows 11 on Copilot+ devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, Recall aims to create a “photographic memory” for users, enabling them to search through their history with ease.

However, Recall’s launch earlier this year was met with criticism over cybersecurity concerns. Experts raised alarms about potential privacy risks due to the automatic capture of user activity, prompting Microsoft to halt the rollout temporarily. In response, the company made several changes to improve security: Recall’s database of screenshots is now encrypted, and the feature is turned off by default. Additionally, users can access websites or apps previously visited by clicking on links below each screenshot, adding an extra layer of convenience.

Despite these enhancements, the feature still faces technical challenges. Users have reported that Recall does not always display all relevant screenshots for their search queries and has difficulty loading screenshots promptly. Furthermore, some users noted that Recall misses certain periods of activity between captured snapshots, affecting the tool’s overall usefulness.

As it stands, Recall is only available on Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, leaving those with AMD or Intel-based devices excluded from testing. Microsoft continues to refine the feature, which remains part of a broader push to integrate AI into everyday Windows 11 functionality.

While Recall has the potential to revolutionize how users search and interact with their devices, these ongoing issues highlight the growing pains of integrating such a complex tool into a widely used operating system.