Microsoft is testing its controversial Windows Recall technology again with a cautious release to Windows Insiders in the hope of nipping another security and privacy outcry in the bud.
Windows Recall first appeared at Microsoft Build 2024 in May. It was swiftly described as a privacy nightmare as users digested what it did: Effectively taking a snapshot of the user's Windows desktop every few seconds and dumping it to disk. Users could search for past activities using a simple search function or by dragging a timeline bar.
It was to be a killer feature on Microsoft's Copilot+ Windows PCs, using AI wizardry for analysis... and then the wheels came off in spectacular fashion.
While Microsoft's presentation alarmed many ordinary users, security types quickly tore the tech to pieces. Cybersecurity researcher Kevin Beaumont wrote: "In essence, a keylogger is being baked into Windows as a feature."
Eventually, on June 13, Microsoft removed its fingers from its ears and pulled the engineering prototype, dubbed a "preview," from a broad Copilot+ PC release to something that would hit Windows Insiders first. At the time, Microsoft said the Windows Insider preview would arrive "in the coming weeks."
Weeks have turned into months, but finally Recall is set to be released to Microsoft's army of unpaid testers, the Windows Insiders. Then it will be made available on all Copilot+ PCs.
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Microsoft said it wanted to "leverage the valuable expertise of our Windows Insider community," and perhaps even take on board their feedback before wider availability.
It had entirely failed to listen to criticisms over the infamous launch of Windows 10's Update of the Damned, which turned up in October 2018 with the potential to delete users' files. Microsoft was eventually forced to pull that update.
While Microsoft famously decided to skip the Windows Insider Release Preview ring for the October 2018 update, Insiders had reported issues with the build. The Windows giant elected to press ahead regardless.
In the years since, Microsoft has come under fire for its quality control and questionable approach to security, something the company has striven to address.
It is not yet clear what changes Microsoft has made to Recall ahead of its preview release to the Windows Insider community. It didn't specify, though we have asked. At the time of the company's decision to pull the preview in June, it said that it would be adding "just in time" decryption and that Windows Insiders would need a Copilot+ PC.
The original Recall Preview showed that Microsoft did not appear to have learned all the lessons it could have from the Windows 10 October 2018 Update debacle. Hopefully, it will listen to feedback from Windows Insiders before unleashing another ill-conceived service on users. ®