How to Exclude Websites from Recall Snapshots in Windows 11

Excluding websites from Recall snapshots in Windows 11 stops your PC from taking background photos of specific web pages you visit. Windows 11 version 24H2 includes Recall, a tool that takes continuous screenshots of your screen so you can search your past computer activity later.

Blocking specific sites keeps your passwords, private chats, and banking details out of your search history. You can pick which websites stay private by adding them to a block list in your main settings.

Which Browsers Work with This Feature?

• Microsoft Edge: Blocks websites and private browsing activity
• Firefox: Blocks websites and private browsing activity
• Opera: Blocks websites and private browsing activity
• Google Chrome: Blocks websites and private browsing activity
• Other Chromium-based browsers: Can filter private browsing activity but cannot block specific websites

Most popular web browsers support Windows 11’s Recall snapshots feature. Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome block both specific sites and private browsing activity. Other Chromium-based browsers filter private browsing sessions, but they cannot block individual websites yet.

• Filtering specific websites only works fully in browsers like Microsoft Edge or Chrome.
• Private browsing sessions won’t be saved by Recall in supported browsers.
• When you open Recall and click the Now button, it shows your current screen without saving a new snapshot.

How to Exclude Websites from Recall Snapshots

Managing these privacy controls takes a few clicks inside the Windows Settings ⚙️ app. Open Settings by clicking the Start menu ⊞ (the Windows icon at the bottom left) and selecting Settings, or by pressing the Win on your keyboard. Next, navigate to Privacy & Security by clicking it in the left-hand menu. Then, find and select Recall & snapshots on the right side. Ensure that “Save snapshots” is turned on. Finally, scroll down to the Filter lists section and click the Add website button. Type the website address into the box that appears (for example, ), and then click Add. This website will now be excluded from Recall snapshots.

1. Open Settings ⚙️: Click the Start menu ⊞ (Windows icon at the bottom left) and select Settings, or press Windows key + I on your keyboard. Learn more about opening Settings
2. Go to Privacy & Security: In the left menu, click Privacy & security.
3. Open Recall & Snapshots: On the right side, find and click Recall & snapshots. Make sure “Save snapshots” is turned on.
4. Add Websites to Filter: Scroll to the Filter lists section and click the Add website button. A box will appear where you can type the website address (for example, example.com).
5. Confirm: After typing the website, click Add. That website will now be excluded from Recall snapshots.

Windows 11 Privacy & Security menu in Settings

Adding websites to filter in Recall & Snapshots settings (Image: Microsoft)

Type website name and click Add to exclude it (Image: Microsoft)

Windows 11 Recall will no longer save snapshots of websites added to the filter list. This exclusion prevents sensitive browsing history from being recorded. For example, adding "mybank.com" to the list causes Recall to ignore any activity on that site, ensuring financial information remains private.

Why Use This Feature?

• Keep your private or sensitive websites out of Recall's saved snapshots.
• Control what information your PC stores about your browsing history.
• Improve your privacy and feel more secure when using your computer.

Excluding specific sites keeps sensitive browsing history out of your PC's visual timeline. Taking control of this history prevents unwanted records of personal habits from piling up.

Summary

Windows 11's Recall feature saves snapshots of your screen, but excluding specific websites keeps sensitive browsing private through adjustments in modern browsers and Windows settings.