What to know

  • Microsoft is launching Recall and AI-powered Windows search for Copilot Plus PCs as part of its April 2025 update.
  • Recall lets you search your PC activity using AI, while the new search allows natural language queries.
  • Both features are rolling out gradually and require users to opt in, with enhanced privacy and security controls.
  • Click to Do, a contextual AI shortcut tool, is also included in the update.

Microsoft has started rolling out its long-awaited Recall feature and a new AI-powered Windows search to Copilot Plus PCs. These updates are part of the April 2025 Windows non-security preview update and will reach users in phases over the next month.

Recall is designed to act like a photographic memory for your computer. It takes regular snapshots of your activity, including apps, websites, and documents. You can then use AI to search through these snapshots using keywords or descriptions, making it easier to find files or content you accessed in the past. This feature aims to help you quickly locate documents, images, or web pages, even if you do not remember their names or exact locations.

Microsoft has addressed privacy concerns raised during Recall's initial announcement. The feature is now opt-in, meaning you must enable it manually when setting up your Copilot Plus PC. All snapshots and related data are stored locally in a secure, isolated memory environment. You must use Windows Hello biometric authentication to change Recall settings, and you can uninstall the feature completely if you choose.

The update also brings an improved Windows search experience. You can now use natural language to describe what you are looking for, such as "the presentation I worked on last week" or "photos from the beach." This search is integrated into the Windows Search box, Settings, and File Explorer, and all processing is done locally on devices with the required AI hardware.

Another new tool, Click to Do, provides contextual AI shortcuts. By highlighting text or images, you can quickly access actions like summarizing, rewriting, or copying content. This feature is available through shortcuts and icons in various Windows apps.

These updates are available to users with Copilot Plus PCs running Windows 11 version 24H2. To get the new features sooner, you can check for updates and enable the option to receive the latest updates as soon as they are available. Microsoft is monitoring the rollout to address any issues and ensure a smooth experience for all users.

Via: TheVerge