Microsoft Recall preview rolls out to Windows Insiders

Microsoft is giving its AI-powered Recall feature another shot, this time with some much-needed security fixes.

Originally hyped as one of the standout tools for Copilot+ PCs, Recall quickly ran into major security risks. The feature, which takes regular screenshots to help users “recall” past activity, was pulled after security researchers found that it stored sensitive data in an unencrypted SQLite database.

Now, Microsoft says it’s fixed those issues and is reintroducing Recall in a new preview build (26100.3902) for Windows Insiders. The update is rolling out to supported Copilot+ PCs, and it brings a handful of other features with it too.

Microsoft originally planned to launch Recall alongside Copilot+ hardware back in June 2024. That didn’t happen. After backlash from security researchers and privacy advocates, the company delayed it first to October, then indefinitely citing the need to deliver a “secure and trusted experience.”

Outside of Recall, the new build also adds other Copilot+ features. There’s a new “Click to Do” feature, which adds quick task access, but only if you’re using a Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC.

Another addition is “Semantic Search,” a smarter way to find stuff in the Start Menu, File Explorer, and Settings. That feature is now expanding beyond Snapdragon devices to Copilot+ PCs running on AMD and Intel chips as well.

Phone Link is also getting an update. It now shows up in the Start Menu and can display recent calls, texts, and photos. Users can take advantage of it to conveniently share files between their smartphone and PC.

And if you’re using Windows Share, there’s now a built-in editor for quick changes like cropping or filtering images before you send them.

Even though the build is out, don’t expect all the new features to appear right away as they’re rolling out gradually.