Windows 11 Recall Feature: How to Uninstall or Reinstall for Enhanced Privacy
The Windows 11 Recall feature captures your PC’s screen activity to help you find past information.
This function acts like a digital memory, taking a screenshot of your screen every 5 seconds when something changes on it. You might choose to turn off or remove Recall to better protect your privacy or to save storage space on your computer.
Uninstalling Recall stops your PC from saving these screen snapshots. As of the KB5041865 update (build 26100.1591 for 24H2), Recall is now an optional feature, meaning you can uninstall it completely.
To uninstall Recall, open Windows Features by running OptionalFeatures.exe, uncheck Recall, and click OK. To reinstall, open the same menu, check the box for Recall, and click OK. Administrator privileges are required for these actions.
Add or remove Recall using Windows Features
Adding or removing the Windows 11 Recall feature is done through the Windows Features menu on your PC. Locate ‘Recall’ in the list, check the box to install it, or uncheck it to uninstall. Click OK to apply your selection.
- Open the Windows Features menu by running
OptionalFeatures.exe. - Find Recall in the list.
- Uncheck the box to remove it, or check the box to add it back.
Uninstall or Reinstall Recall using Command
For those comfortable with commands, uninstalling or reinstalling the Windows 11 Recall feature can be done using Windows Terminal. Open Windows Terminal with administrator privileges, choose either PowerShell or Command Prompt, and then execute the relevant installation or removal command. Admin rights are necessary for these actions.
Begin by opening the Windows Terminal as an administrator and selecting the Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt tab.
To install the feature, use the following command:
DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:"Recall"
To remove it, run this command:
DISM /Online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:"Recall"
For a PowerShell-specific approach, open Windows Terminal as administrator, then select the PowerShell tab.
Install the feature with:
Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Recall"
Remove the feature using:
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName "Recall"
You may need to restart your computer for these changes to take effect.
Summary
To uninstall or reinstall Windows 11 Recall, you have three options: use Privacy settings, the Windows Features menu, or command-line tools like DISM and PowerShell.
How do I remove Recall from Windows?
Removing Recall as a Windows feature (for individuals) Open Windows Search and type Windows features. Select Turn Windows features on or off. Find and uncheck Recall.
Can you get 🪟 Windows 11 without Recall?
Recall is an optional feature for Windows.
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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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