Windows Redo by Microsoft allegedly continues to gather passwords and Social Security numbers despite its re-launch
In the world of technology, privacy and security are paramount. However, Microsoft's Windows Recall AI app, introduced as a feature for Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs in 2024, has come under scrutiny for potential security issues.
The app, designed to take screenshots of user activity to help retrace steps, has been found to capture sensitive data such as passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers, even with the "Filter sensitive information" feature enabled by default. Tests by The Register and other technology news sites in 2025 reveal that the app continues to capture sensitive data, even when language is changed or information is stored in different locations on the computer.
Recall had a bumpy launch, with initial concerns about capturing sensitive information leading to its temporary withdrawal. After returning to Windows Insiders in April of this year, still in preview mode, the app remains in need of significant security improvements.
The filter intended to block sensitive info relies partly on contextual cues like the presence of terms such as "credit card" or "pay" near the data. However, it fails when such cues are absent, such as when numbers or passwords appear in less obvious contexts (e.g., a plain text file). Moreover, the screenshots taken by Recall can be accessed by anyone with the user's PIN or even through remote access, further amplifying the security risk if unauthorized parties gain system access.
Given these ongoing vulnerabilities, security experts emphasize the need for urgent mitigations and patches. Microsoft, in response, has stated that they are working to improve the functionality of the security filter for the app. A blog post from November stated that Microsoft teams are working on this issue.
In the meantime, if you don't want to risk potential security implications of Windows Recall, consider buying a laptop powered by an Intel or AMD chip instead of a Copilot+ PC. Several free password managers are also available as an alternative to storing passwords insecurely on a PC.
Meanwhile, in the realm of consumer electronics, several new devices have been unveiled. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) is available for view. The Apple 13" MacBook Air M4 (2025) and the Apple 15" MacBook Air M4 (2025) are also available, with the former priced at $799 instead of $999 and the latter at $998 instead of $1,199. The Dell XPS 13 is available for $1,399.99, and the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i ChromeBook Plus is available for $479.99. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9) is available for $939.99 instead of $1,289.99.
Microsoft may decide to shelve Windows Recall for good due to its lukewarm initial reception and security and privacy issues. Only time will tell if the app will undergo the necessary changes to ensure user privacy and security.
[1] The Register (2025). Windows Recall AI app still captures sensitive data despite Microsoft's claims. [online] Available at: https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/01/windows_recall_ai_app_security_issues/
[2] TechRadar (2025). Windows Recall AI app: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-recall-ai-app-what-you-need-to-know
[3] Wired (2025). Windows Recall AI App: A Privacy Nightmare in the Making? [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/windows-recall-ai-app-privacy-nightmare/
[4] ZDNet (2025). Windows Recall AI app: Microsoft's privacy nightmare. [online] Available at: https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-recall-ai-app-microsofts-privacy-nightmare/
Data-and-cloud-computing technology plays a crucial role in the functioning of Windows Recall AI, yet this application, designed for Windows 11's Copilot+ PCs, has been under scrutiny for potential security issues related to capturing sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers.
The ongoing vulnerabilities of Windows Recall AI, despite Microsoft's claims of security improvements, have led experts to emphasize the need for urgent mitigations and patches.
