Microsoft has clarified that a recently discovered option to uninstall the “Recall” feature from Windows 11 was actually a bug and not an intended feature. The issue surfaced following an optional update for Windows 11, version 24H2, where some users noticed that the Recall feature appeared under the “Turn Windows features on or off” section of the Control Panel.
The Recall Uninstall Bug Explained
The unexpected appearance of the uninstall option led to speculation among users and tech enthusiasts. Many believed that Microsoft might be offering a way to remove the Recall feature from the operating system. However, Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, confirmed that this was not the case. In a statement to The Verge, LeBlanc clarified that the option was a bug and would be removed in an upcoming update.
This bug was peculiar because the Recall option was not visible to everyone and had not been part of any official Windows Canary release, further fueling confusion.
The Implications for European Users
While Microsoft has stated that the Recall uninstall option was unintentional, there is still a possibility that the company may need to provide this option for users in Europe. This is due to compliance requirements with the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to regulate big tech companies and ensure fair competition.
Microsoft has already implemented a similar uninstall option for the Microsoft Store in the European Economic Area (EEA) countries. If required, Microsoft may have to extend this approach to the Recall feature to comply with the DMA.
What’s Next for the Recall Feature?
Despite the bug, Microsoft is moving forward with plans to roll out the Recall feature more broadly. The feature is expected to be made available to Windows Insider Program participants in October, with a wider release planned for early next year on Copilot+ PCs.
