CoPilot+ PCs are due to arrive June 18, but Windows Recall will now be late to the party. Just days before release, Microsoft has pulled the feature from general release. Instead, what was the headline AI showcase for these new devices will now only be available to a select few. If you’re keen to give it a go as soon as possible, however, you’re not entirely out of luck.
As a reminder, Microsoft describes CoPilot+ PCs as “a new category of Windows PCs”. In practice, the term encapsulates systems equipped with NPUs (neural processing units) capable of 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second). There are other qualifiers, including all-day battery life, but AI is the drive here. While there will be other ways to showcase their capabilities, the absence of Windows Recall will be keenly felt.
In an update on its Windows Experience Blog (via Windows Central), Microsoft announced its new plans for Windows Recall. The feature will now be available first as part of the Windows Insider Program (WIP) “in the coming weeks.” So, the company is both scaling back availability and moving away from a specific release date.
Microsoft explains “this decision is rooted in our commitment to providing a trusted, secure and robust experience for all customers and to seek additional feedback prior to making the feature available to all Copilot+ PC users.” As for what prompted this sudden change of heart, recent Windows Recall controversies regarding security and more are likely candidates.
If you still fancy being one of the first to use Windows Recall, there are a few things you’ll need. Naturally, you’ll require a system that adheres to the CoPilot+ PC hardware requirements. While such devices will sport some CoPilot+ badging, most with AMD Ryzen AI 300 series processors should do the trick. Lastly, you’ll of course need to be a Windows Insider. If you’re not one already, you can sign up for free here.
We’ve recently been hands on with some CoPilot+ PCs at Computex. For a sneak peek, check out our coverage on new MSI AI+ laptops and AI-powered Gigabyte Aorus laptops. Do bear in mind, though, that Intel alternatives will materialise with Lunar Lake SoCs in the coming months.