Microsoft starts rolling out Recall feature to these Windows 11 PCs: What is it and check if you can use it on your laptop

Windows Recall

Microsoft has officially started rolling out the Recall feature to select Windows 11 laptops. Recall, which was first announced alongside Copilot+ PCs, aims to make finding documents, websites, and images easier by letting users retrace their steps. The feature is being released through the April 2025 Windows non-security preview update and will gradually roll out over the next month.

What is Recall?

Recall is designed to help users quickly rediscover apps, files, and websites they accessed earlier by creating a searchable timeline of their activities. Instead of remembering exact file names or browsing through multiple folders, users can scroll through a visual timeline or describe the content in their own words. Microsoft says Recall can reduce the time to locate documents by up to 70% compared to traditional search methods.

Recall is an opt-in feature with a strong emphasis on privacy. All data is processed and stored locally on the device, without being uploaded to the cloud or shared with Microsoft or third parties. Users also have the option to customize what gets saved or disable Recall entirely.

Check if you can use Recall on your laptop

Recall is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which feature dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) capable of handling AI workloads locally. These devices deliver up to 13% faster performance than the MacBook Air M4 and offer improved battery life and security features. Copilot+ PCs from major manufacturers such as Microsoft Surface, Dell, HP, Samsung, Acer, and Lenovo are eligible for the Recall feature.

To use Recall, your device must be a Copilot+ PC running the April 2025 Windows 11 non-security preview update. Devices powered by the new Snapdragon X Series chips are receiving the feature first, with AMD Ryzen and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs to follow in the coming months.

Users can enable Recall through Windows Settings and manage their privacy preferences as needed. Microsoft has provided detailed guidance for both consumers and enterprise IT administrators to manage and secure the feature.