How to pause or resume Recall snapshots in Windows 11

This guide explains how to control the Recall feature in Windows 11.

Recall & Snapshots is an AI tool that acts like a photographic memory for your computer. It takes regular pictures of your screen so you can search through them later to find things you previously looked at.

These pictures are saved directly on your computer. Windows uses a maximum storage size for these snapshots, which you can change anytime to manage storage. Once you hit that limit, the computer automatically removes the oldest files to make room for new ones.

You can manually delete Recall snapshots from a specific timeframe or delete all snapshots your saved files if your storage space is getting low.

Why use this feature? It helps you find lost information quickly. What happens when done? You gain control over your privacy and free up disk space for other important files.

How to Pause and Resume Recall Snapshots

You can turn this feature off temporarily if you are working on something private. Snapshots will stay paused until midnight, or you can turn them back on whenever you like. You can tell if the feature is off by looking for a slash through the Recall icon in your system tray.

Follow these steps to manage your settings:

1. Locate the Recall icon in your taskbar system tray.
2. Click the icon and select “Pause until tomorrow.”

If the feature is currently paused, you can turn it back on by clicking “Resume snapshots.”

Note: Administrative privileges may be required if your computer is managed by an organization or school.

Summary

Managing your Recall snapshots helps you keep your private information secure and ensures you do not run out of storage space. By pausing the feature, you decide exactly when your screen is captured. Remember to check your storage settings regularly to keep your computer running smoothly. Use the search tool to quickly retrieve any information you have saved in the past.