How to Enable or Disable Recall in Windows 11

How to Enable or Disable Recall for Users

To let users control Recall on their devices, you can use a Windows tool called the Local Group Policy Editor. This is particularly helpful for computers managed in workplaces or schools.

Step-by-Step to Enable or Disable Recall with Group Policy Editor

1. Click the ⊞ Start button and type gpedit.msc, then press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor. ⚠️ Requires admin privileges
2. In the window, go to this folder path: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows AI
3. On the right side, find and double-click Allow Recall to be enabled.
4. In the window that opens, choose one of the options:

   • Not Configured – Recall will be turned off for users.
   • Enabled – Users can turn Recall on their device.
   • Disabled – Recall will be completely turned off and removed.
5. Click OK to save your choice.
6. 🔄 Restart your computer to make sure the setting works.

Turning Windows 11 Recall on or off is achievable using the Group Policy Editor. This method involves finding a specific setting within the editor to control whether Recall is allowed on your computer. Make sure you have administrator rights before you start.

And here are the options you can select:

How to Enable or Disable Recall Using the Windows Registry

If you prefer, you can also turn Recall on or off by editing the Windows Registry. Editing the Registry has immediate effects that can impact your system. It’s wise to back up your Registry beforehand.

Steps to Enable or Disable Recall via Registry

1. Press ⊞ Win+R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. ⚠️ Requires admin privileges
2. Go to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI
3. If you don’t see WindowsAI, 🖱️ right-click on Windows folder, select New > Key, and name it WindowsAI. ⚠️ Requires admin privileges
4. Right-click inside the WindowsAI folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowRecallEnablement. ⚠️ Requires admin privileges
5. Double-click AllowRecallEnablement and set the value to:

   • 1 to enable Recall for managed users.
   • 0 to disable Recall for everyone.
6. If you want to allow Recall on Home devices, just delete the AllowRecallEnablement value. ⚠️ Requires admin privileges
7. Close Registry Editor and 🔄 restart your PC.

Windows 11 Recall settings can also be changed through the Registry Editor. This involves navigating to a specific location and creating or modifying a value to enable or disable Recall. Remember, you’ll need administrator privileges for these changes.

Summary