Removing Windows 11 Recall Feature Corrupts the File Explorer

The latest update of Windows 11, known as the 24H2 version, has sparked strong opinions from users and experts. A feature called Recall, based on AI, has taken center stage, raising questions about its impact on privacy and user control. Despite prior promises, Microsoft’s approach to Recall has created fresh concerns in the tech world.

What is Recall?

Recall is an AI-driven tool that logs user actions on the screen and puts them into a timeline. It allows users to look back at their past work or tasks and easily locate items. While this may seem useful for those who like to keep track of their activities, many argue that it intrudes too much on personal privacy. The feature was meant to be off by default, but with the 24H2 update, it now appears on all systems.

Problems with Deactivation

One of the main issues users face is the inability to turn off Recall fully. Tests by experts, including Chris Titus Tech, a known YouTuber and software developer, showed that attempts to deactivate Recall led to problems. For instance, the Windows file explorer would lose its modern features, such as Dark Mode and support for multiple tabs. This indicates that Recall is tightly tied to the core system. As a result, many users feel blindsided by this change. The release blog for the 24H2 update made no mention of Recall, which has led to frustration among the community.

Workarounds and Solutions

Despite these issues, some tech-savvy users have found ways to bypass Recall without losing important features in Windows. Developers on GitHub have offered tweaks that allow Recall to be disabled after the user logs in. However, these solutions are not for the everyday user and may still carry risks, such as inconsistent behaviour after restarting the system. For more advanced users, Microsoft’s own DISM tool can help to stop the Recall service. But, as with other workarounds, it does not offer full confidence in how the system will act once the feature is off.

Privacy and AI Concerns

The rise of AI tools in Windows, like Recall, has once again opened up debates around privacy. Many critics believe that such features, while helpful for finding old files or projects, come at a cost to user freedom and privacy. Recall’s deep integration into the system has led some to compare it to the earlier controversies around Windows 10 telemetry. In the end, it seems that Microsoft will need to find a better balance between AI tools and user choice if it hopes to avoid more backlash in future updates.