Microsoft Confirms AI Recall Uninstall Option in Windows 11 is Just a Bug

Microsoft clarifies that the option to uninstall the AI-powered Recall feature in Windows 11 is a glitch, not an actual feature.

Many Windows 11 users were puzzled after noticing an option to uninstall the AI-powered Recall feature in the Windows Features section. Microsoft has confirmed that this is merely a bug and not an intended option. Windows senior product manager Brandon LeBlanc addressed the issue, stating, “We are aware of an issue where Recall is incorrectly listed as an option under the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ dialog in Control Panel. This will be fixed in an upcoming update.”

The Recall feature, designed to take screenshots of user activity, was initially delayed due to security concerns over unencrypted databases that could be vulnerable to malware attacks. In response, Microsoft has made the feature opt-in, added encryption, and integrated Windows Hello authentication to secure user data.

The removal option is a quirk right now, but there's talk that Microsoft would someday have to offer one in order to comply with the Digital Markets Act of the European Commission, just like it did with Edge and Bing-powered web search within the European Economic Area.

Microsoft promises customers that the option to remove Recall is a temporary glitch that will be fixed in an upcoming update.