How to Uninstall or Reinstall Recall on Windows 11
Uninstalling or reinstalling the Recall application on Windows 11, version 10.0.22631.3799, allows users to manage Recall's privacy settings and adjust Recall's behavior. This application management process helps users ensure personal data handling matches their preferences.
Recall is a new Windows 11 feature that takes screenshots of your activity to help you find things later. It’s designed to work on your PC locally, but its operation has raised privacy concerns for some users.
Microsoft has confirmed that Recall needs a specific update, KB5036887, to be installed on compatible Copilot+ PCs. This update turns the feature on by default.
If you wish to remove or re-enable this feature, you have options. We’ll show you how to do it.
You can uninstall Recall by opening Windows Features and unchecking it, or by using commands in Windows Terminal. Reinstalling involves checking the box in Windows Features or running the enable command in Terminal. Restart your PC after making changes.
What is Recall?
Recall is a Windows 11 feature that takes screenshots of your screen every few seconds to help you remember what you’ve seen.
How to Turn Recall On or Off in Settings
You can turn Windows Recall on or off right from the Settings app to control your privacy.
- Click the Start button and open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security.
- Find and click on Recall & snapshots.
- Toggle the switch to turn snapshots on or off.
There are other options too, like pausing snapshots temporarily, excluding certain apps, or deleting all snapshots.
Recall is Now a Windows Feature You Can Add or Remove
How to Add or Remove Recall Using Windows Features
- Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
- Type
OptionalFeatures.exeand press Enter. This opens the Windows Features window. - Scroll down the list until you find Recall.
- Check the box to add (turn on ) Recall. Or uncheck it to remove (turn off ) Recall.
- Click OK to save your changes.
Windows will apply the changes. It may ask you to restart your PC. After you restart, the Recall feature will be added or removed based on your choice.
How to Uninstall or Reinstall Recall Using Commands
You can uninstall or reinstall Recall using commands in Windows Terminal if you like using text to get things done faster.
⚠️ Admin privileges required
Steps:
- Open Windows Terminal as an administrator. To do this, right-click the Start button and choose Windows Terminal (Admin).
- In Windows Terminal, open a PowerShell or Command Prompt tab.
- To install (enable) Recall, type this command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"Recall" - To uninstall (disable) Recall, type this command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"Recall"
You can also use PowerShell commands:
To enable Recall:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Recall"
To disable Recall:
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Recall"
After running these commands, restart your computer. This makes sure the changes take effect.
Summary
You can disable Windows Recall by turning it off in Settings, removing it from Windows Features, or using commands in Windows Terminal.- Recall is a Windows 11 feature that takes snapshots of your screen every few seconds.
- You can control Recall to protect your privacy by turning it off or uninstalling it.
- Turn Recall on or off from Settings under Privacy & security.
- You can add or remove Recall from Windows Features or by using commands in Windows Terminal.
- Restart your PC after making changes to ensure everything works properly.
- By managing Recall the way you want, you keep your computer privacy exactly how you like it.
Is disabling Recall good?
Disabling Recall gives users and administrators control over what’s being captured and stored, ensuring transparency and better system performance.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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