Windows Recall feature automatically saves PC game moments after long delay

Windows Recall can now automatically save your best game moments, a feature tested for a year. This is new for Copilot+ PCs, but privacy concerns are high.
By Newsroom | Technology, Gaming |

Microsoft's Windows Recall feature, recently made available to the public, includes the ability to automatically record gameplay. This function, previously announced and tested for nearly a year, aims to capture significant in-game moments. However, its rollout has been marked by security and privacy concerns, prompting significant development and testing before its general release.

The stakes for PC gamers are clear: the potential for automatic saving of highlight-reel moments during gameplay. This functionality could streamline the process of capturing and sharing exceptional performances. However, the broader implications of continuous screen recording by an operating system feature raise substantial questions about user privacy and data security. The feature's troubled past, including a hasty initial announcement and subsequent delays, underscores the sensitivity surrounding its capabilities.

Timeline and Feature Development

Windows Recall was initially announced nearly a year before its public release. Following its announcement, the feature faced significant criticism regarding its security protections. This led to multiple delays and an overhaul of its underlying systems. For five months, Recall underwent testing within Microsoft's Windows Insider beta program before its eventual public rollout.

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  • The feature is exclusively available on Copilot+ PCs, a specific category of Windows 11 systems.

  • Recall operates by continuously taking screenshots of user activity on the PC.

  • It then scrapes text from these screenshots and stores all this information in a searchable database.

  • Microsoft indicated Recall was nearing release when it was made available to the Release Preview channel two weeks prior to public availability.

Capturing Gaming Highlights

Beyond the broad functionality of Windows Recall, specific tools and features cater to capturing in-game highlights.

  • Windows 11 Game Bar: This built-in Windows feature includes a "Record What Happened" option, accessible through Gaming > Captures > Settings. Users can enable or disable this recording function.

  • Third-Party Software: Several applications offer automatic or manual highlight capture for PC games.

  • Medal.tv provides free auto-clipping software, allowing users to select "auto clipping events" to trigger recordings.

  • Nvidia Instant Replay is an option for users with Nvidia GPUs, enabling manual capture of gameplay highlights.

  • OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), while often used for streaming, also supports manual highlight capture through its "Instant Replay" function.

  • Outplayed is another application that offers options for automatic, manual, or no recording of gameplay, prompting users based on their preferences.

Privacy and Security Implications of Recall

The continuous screenshotting and searchable database created by Windows Recall have generated considerable debate regarding privacy and security.

  • Access to Data: The core concern is that anyone gaining access to the Recall database could view nearly everything a user has done on their PC.

  • Initial Rollout Issues: Microsoft's initial plan for rolling out Recall was described as a "mess," largely due to the security and privacy implications.

  • Underlying Overhaul: The extensive testing and delays suggest a significant effort to address these initial criticisms and improve the feature's security.

User Control and Configuration

For users concerned about the broad data collection of Windows Recall, options exist to manage its functionality.

  • Disabling Recording: In Windows 11, users can navigate to Settings > Gaming > Captures and adjust the "Record What Happened" setting.

  • Recall Management: While specific details on disabling Recall entirely were not detailed in the provided text beyond its existence, the mention of turning it "off" by some sources indicates user control is intended. The emphasis on security and privacy during its development and testing suggests that Microsoft is aware of the need for such controls.

Conclusion

Windows Recall introduces an automatic game recap capability, building on existing Windows features for capturing gameplay. However, the feature's journey to public release has been characterized by significant security and privacy discussions. Its implementation on specific hardware, Copilot+ PCs, and the continuous recording mechanism underscore the delicate balance between user convenience and data protection. The availability of third-party tools for highlight capture also suggests a competitive landscape for such functionalities. The ongoing implications of Recall's data collection practices and the user's ability to control it remain central to its adoption and public perception.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Windows Recall feature and what does it do for PC games?
Windows Recall is a new feature on Copilot+ PCs that automatically records what you do on your computer, including saving important moments from your PC games. It takes screenshots and stores them so you can look back at them later.
Q: Why was the Windows Recall feature delayed before its release?
The Windows Recall feature was delayed for almost a year because people were worried about its privacy and security. Microsoft needed more time to test it and make sure it was safe to use.
Q: How does Windows Recall capture game highlights?
Windows Recall works by taking screenshots of your screen continuously. It saves these screenshots in a searchable file, so you can find and review specific moments from your gaming sessions after they happen.
Q: Are there other ways to automatically save PC game highlights besides Windows Recall?
Yes, besides Windows Recall, you can use the built-in Windows 11 Game Bar's 'Record What Happened' option. Other apps like Medal.tv, Nvidia Instant Replay, OBS, and Outplayed also offer ways to automatically or manually capture your best game moments.
Q: What are the main privacy concerns with Windows Recall?
The biggest worry is that if someone gets access to the Recall data, they could see almost everything you have done on your PC. This is because it saves screenshots of all your activity in a searchable database.