How to Enable or Disable Recall in Windows 11

How to Enable or Disable Recall for Users

Administrators managing computers in workplaces or schools can use the Local Group Policy Editor (a built-in Windows tool for managing system settings) to control Recall access.

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 works through the Group Policy Editor. This method involves finding a specific setting within the editor to control whether Recall is allowed on your computer. Administrative rights are required before starting.

Available selection options include:

How to Enable or Disable Recall Using the Windows Registry

Recall can also be toggled by editing the Windows Registry. Registry edits take effect immediately and can destabilize your system if a mistake happens, so take a quick backup of the Registry first.

Steps to Enable or Disable Recall via Registry

1. Press Windows + 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 change through the Registry Editor. Navigating to a specific location and creating or modifying a value enables or disables Recall. Administrator privileges remain necessary for these changes.

Summary