August 2025
What is Microsoft Recall?
Microsoft Recall is a new Windows 11 feature exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. It’s designed to take automatic screenshots (snapshots) of what’s on your screen every few seconds—storing these images locally so you can search your computer history using natural language.
In theory, it offers a “photographic memory” of your digital activity.
But in practice? I don’t see any real benefits—and I see serious privacy risks.
Why I’m not using Recall
Here are the main reasons I’ve chosen not to enable it:
1. Privacy concerns
Recall could capture everything from banking info and passwords to personal chats and work files—stored in a way that’s not fully transparent to the user. If someone gains access to your device, they could exploit this data easily.
2. No clear value for me
I already know how to manage my files, browser history, and workspaces. I don’t need screen snapshots every few seconds to “remember” what I did yesterday.
3. Security risk
If my device was ever compromised (malware, physical access, etc.), the Recall snapshots would provide a step-by-step view of my digital life. That’s a major security liability I can’t justify.
4. Unreliable filters
Despite Microsoft’s efforts, third-party testing has shown that Recall still captures sensitive data it’s supposed to avoid, like credit card numbers or Social Security numbers.
How I’ve disabled it
- I made sure Recall was never enabled during Windows setup.
- I verified that no snapshots are being taken using the Recall settings panel.
- I disabled any background AI tools related to Recall on my system.
If you’re unsure whether it’s running on your device, Microsoft provides a step-by-step guide here.
Considering a switch: Is Linux the safer choice?
Yes — and you’re not alone if you’re thinking about alternatives.
I’m actively considering switching to Linux, which is known for being more transparent, privacy-respecting, and secure — especially because:
- There are no hidden background processes like Recall.
- You have full control over your system.
- Most distros are open source and community-audited.
Which Linux distributions might work?
Here are some options depending on your needs:
| Use Case | Recommended Distro | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday use + Work | Linux Mint or Ubuntu | Easy to use, great for beginners. |
| Gaming | Pop!_OS or Nobara | Great hardware support; built-in Steam and GPU drivers. |
| Maximum Privacy | Tails or Qubes OS | Focused on anonymity and compartmentalization. |
| Professional/Dev | Fedora or Debian | Stable and secure for serious workloads. |
Yes, gaming on Linux is real — and thanks to tools like Proton, Lutris, and Steam Deck, many Windows games now work smoothly on Linux.
Final Thoughts
In my humble opinion, Microsoft Recall opens the door to massive privacy violations and stores sensitive data in a way that users can’t fully monitor or control. I believe it’s better to opt out — and possibly switch to a safer, more transparent system altogether.
If you’re also thinking about stepping away from Windows, Linux has never been more usable, friendly, or powerful. I encourage you to explore it.