Windows Recall gets an export feature to let non-Microsoft websites and apps use your Copilot PC’s snapshots

2025-06-16 11:42:00
www.pcgamer.com

It’s fair to say that Windows Recall has been one of Microsoft’s more controversial ideas in recent times. The AI-powered system routinely captures screenshots of your monitor’s output and stores them in an encrypted local database, allowing you to then search for apps, websites, or even document text and images. With its latest Windows 11 Insider build, Microsoft has now added an export function to let you share this data with third-party applications, though not every Copilot+ PC user will see this option.

This is because the Recall Export feature will only be rolled out to users living in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes all 27 members of the European Union (EU), plus three other countries, namely Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Everyone else? You’re out of luck for the time being.

As to whether this is good or bad news, I’d say it leans more towards the former, as Microsoft is allowing for more uses for Recall while also giving users more data privacy control. That said, there are some important caveats about the export function. The most notable of which is the fact that Recall’s database is encrypted, and so in order to share it, a key is generated when Recall is enabled.

You get one key, and one only, so if you lose the piece of paper you’ve scribbled it down on or (and please don’t do this) the text file that you’ve saved it in, you’ll need to restart Recall to get a fresh key. This process will wipe the database clean, though, so you can never get another key for your current database.

The export function isn’t the only thing changed in Recall. Microsoft has also altered how long the database is stored for on your Copilot+ PC. Previously, it was kept for an indefinite amount of time by default, but now it’s 90 days.

As to why Microsoft added the export function in the first place, and more specifically, only for EEA folks, The Register asked this particular question and received the expected reply: “The changes are a result of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to complying with applicable laws and regulations.”

Whether other countries push for the same change is anyone’s guess, but until they do, just remember that if you’re not in the EEA, the data that Recall is collecting might be yours, but there’s not a lot you can do with it outside of your PC.

Source Link

Take your gaming to the next level! The Redragon S101 RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard is an Amazon’s Choice product that delivers incredible value. This all-in-one PC Gamer Value Kit includes a Programmable Backlit Gaming Mouse, perfect for competitive gaming or casual use.

With 46,015 ratings, an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and over 4K+ bought in the past month, this kit is trusted by gamers everywhere! Available now for just $39.99 on Amazon. Plus, act fast and snag an exclusive 15% off coupon – but hurry, this offer won’t last long!

Score this incredible deal now!

Start your free Amazon Prime trial
today and unlock unlimited streaming and more!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!

BITCOIN

Bitcoin Logo