# Microsoft’s Recall Launches on Copilot Plus PCs Alongside AI-Powered Search and “Click to Do”

## Microsoft’s Recall Launches on Copilot Plus PCs Alongside AI-Powered Search and “Click to Do”

Microsoft is officially rolling out its controversial Recall feature to Copilot Plus PCs, alongside an improved AI-powered Windows search and a new “Click to Do” feature that echoes Google’s Circle to Search. This launch marks the culmination of a long journey for Recall, initially slated to debut with Copilot Plus PCs in June of last year but delayed due to security and privacy concerns.

Recall is designed to enhance PC search functionality by taking snapshots of nearly everything a user does on their Copilot Plus PC. These snapshots are then categorized, allowing users to search for information based on vague memories instead of specific file names. According to Navjot Virk, corporate vice president of Windows Experiences at Microsoft, Recall aims to address the common frustration of “picking up where you left off.”

While the concept is technologically impressive, offering a more natural way to interact with and search through content, the privacy implications have been a major point of contention. Storing a wealth of information on PC usage necessitates careful management of blocked apps and websites.

Security researcher Kevin Beaumont, who initially raised concerns about Recall, acknowledges that Microsoft has made “serious efforts to try to secure Recall.” The database is now encrypted, the feature attempts to filter sensitive data by default, and it’s now an opt-in experience. However, Beaumont notes that the filtering of sensitive apps and websites remains somewhat inconsistent and potentially buggy. He also highlights a vulnerability regarding the login process, where Recall can be accessed through a simple four-digit PIN unlock, even though Microsoft claims biometric sign-in is required.

Beyond Recall, Copilot Plus PCs are also receiving an AI-powered boost to Windows search. Users can now employ natural language queries in File Explorer, the Windows search box, and settings to find files and information. For example, instead of searching for a specific file name, users can search for “image of a brown dog” to locate a desired image.

The third key feature rolling out is “Click to Do,” a tool similar to Google’s Circle to Search. Activated by using the Windows key + left mouse click, Click to Do provides actions based on the text or images currently on the screen, allowing users to quickly summarize text or remove objects from images.

While Recall, the improved Windows search, and Click to Do are now available across all Copilot Plus PCs, certain features are limited. Text actions within Click to Do are initially exclusive to Qualcomm-powered devices, with AMD- and Intel-powered PCs expected to receive the feature “in the next few months.” Furthermore, Microsoft has announced that Recall and Click to Do will not be available in EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway until later this year.

The launch of Recall and these AI-powered enhancements represents a significant step forward in Microsoft’s vision for the future of computing, though its success will hinge on addressing ongoing privacy and security concerns.