How to Improve Recall Snapshots Filtering on Windows 11

What is Recall?

Recall is a Windows 11 feature that takes periodic screenshots of your display to build a searchable timeline of your computer activity. This visual history lets you find anything you have seen or done on your PC. When Recall is active, you can pause it, filter apps and websites, delete snapshots, and manage your history at any time.

When Recall is active, you can temporarily pause it, filter apps and websites, delete your snapshots, and manage your history.

How is your data kept safe?

Recall data stays safe because Windows stores snapshots exclusively on your local hardware, protected by device encryption features like BitLocker. When you use Recall Snapshots filtering to block certain apps or sites, Windows asks if you want to share that block list anonymously to help improve the feature.

Filtering triggers a prompt in Windows 11 asking to “Help improve Recall snapshots filtering.” Opting in anonymously shares a list of the apps and sites blocked from Recall with Microsoft.

Why help improve Recall snapshots filtering?

Sharing this information teaches Microsoft which apps and websites people prefer to exclude. This makes the AI tool smarter and more useful for everyone.

What happens when you are done?

Your changes save automatically. Microsoft receives or stops receiving exclusion lists based on chosen settings.

How to change this in Settings

Recall Snapshots filtering can be changed directly through the Windows Settings app. Open Settings, go to Privacy & security, and click the Recall & snapshots tile to adjust your options. This lets you control what your computer records without needing advanced tools.

1. Open the Windows Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings, or press the Windows key + I to open Settings app.
2. Click on Privacy & security in the left menu.

3. On the right side, click the Recall & snapshots tile to see its settings.
4. Turn on the "Save snapshots" feature.
5. Select the "Help improve Recall snapshots filtering" tile to see more options.
6. Toggle the switch to On or Off depending on your preference.

Close the Settings window when finished.

How to change this using the Windows Registry

Recall Snapshots filtering can also be changed using the Windows Registry. Open the Registry Editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\A9SnapshotCapture to modify the settings. This method is useful for administrators who need to manage the feature across a system.

Adjustments also happen through the Windows Registry editor via these steps:

1. Open the Windows Registry and go to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\A9SnapshotCapture
2. Right-click on the SnapshotCapture folder.
3. Select New, then select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name the new file IsFilteringTelemetryEnabled.
5. Double-click IsFilteringTelemetryEnabled and set the value to 1 to turn it on, or 0 to turn it off.

Summary

Recall Snapshots filtering controls which apps and sites your computer records and whether you share that block list with Microsoft. Configuring this option through the Settings app or the Windows Registry lets you manage your privacy while keeping all snapshots stored securely on your local hardware.

• What it does: It sends a list of apps and sites you blocked from being recorded to Microsoft.
• How to change it: You can use the Settings app or the Windows Registry.
• Your privacy: All snapshots stay on your device, and any data shared for improvement is anonymous.

Reference: Microsoft.com