Recall also uses background resources, which can slow down your PC especially on devices with limited storage or processing power. If not disabled, these snapshots can accumulate over time, occupying disk space and leaving a trail of your digital activity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple ways to permanently disable or remove Recall. Let’s get started.
1. Pause Recall through Settings
The easiest way to manage Recall is through the Windows Settings menu, where you can pause its screen capture feature. While this won’t uninstall Recall, it will stop it from actively capturing screen data in the background. This reduces unnecessary background activity and helps protect your sensitive information.
2. Disable Recall using Group Policy
If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, the Group Policy Editor offers a more permanent solution. Disabling Recall here tells the system to block it at the operating system level, ensuring it won’t re-enable even after a restart or update. On Windows 11 Home, where Group Policy is not available, you can use the Registry Editor. This method blocks Recall by modifying system behavior at a deeper level. Windows checks these registry keys on startup, allowing you to take full control over hidden settings and enforce your privacy preferences. ⚠️ Important: Always back up your registry before editing. In Registry Editor, go to File > Export to save a backup.
Clean Up Stored Recall Snapshots (Optional but Recommended)
Even after disabling Recall, previously captured data may still be stored on your device. These steps will help you remove those snapshots, freeing up space and eliminating any sensitive information that was unintentionally saved.
5. Disable Copilot AI
Recall is only one part of Windows’ AI integration. Copilot AI runs in the background, providing system-wide suggestions and automations. If you’re aiming for a fully AI-free experience, disabling Copilot is also recommended. To disable Copilot in Windows 11, follow our detailed step-by-step guide here: How to Turn Off Copilot in Windows This guide walks you through multiple methods to remove Copilot completely from your Windows environment.
