Enabling Windows Recall, Click to Do, and AI Search Features
Introduction to New AI Features in Windows 11
Microsoft has embarked on a progressive rollout of several innovative AI features for Windows 11, namely Windows Recall, Click to Do, and Semantic Indexing for Windows Search. These features are designed for Copilot+ PCs, which run the most recent version of Windows 11. Initially planned for release alongside the launch of Copilot+ PCs in June 2024, the introduction of these features faced a series of delays due to privacy and security issues, pushing their availability to October 2024.
Overview of Windows Recall
What is Windows Recall?
Windows Recall is an advanced feature that captures screenshots of your activities at regular intervals. Leveraging AI, it analyzes these images, making the information easily searchable using natural language. This rollout also includes various system updates that facilitate the installation of essential components like the Recall app, Windows Copilot Runtime, Click to Do, and Semantic Indexing.
Windows Copilot Runtime
This runtime environment supports over 40 AI models that power Windows Recall and other features. These models include capabilities like a Screen Region Detector, Optical Character Recognizer, and Natural Language Parser, all operating concurrently to process text, images, videos, and audio.
How to Enable and Access Windows Recall
Enabling Windows Recall
If your system hasn’t prompted you to activate Windows Recall, you can do so by following these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Privacy & security.
- Click on the Recall & snapshots page.
- Toggle the switch to turn on Save snapshots.
Alternatively, you can launch the Recall app manually and opt-in for snapshot saving.
Accessing Windows Recall
To start using the Recall app:
- Open Start and search for Recall.
- Click on the top result to launch the app.
- You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + J or open the Recall flyout from the Taskbar.
- Authenticate with Windows Hello.
To search for a specific snapshot, type your query using natural language or click the microphone icon for voice commands. If there are no matches, you can continue with a traditional search through File Explorer.
Managing and Configuring Windows Recall
Configuring Recall Settings
To customize Windows Recall:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security and click on the Recall & snapshots page.
Here, you can:
- Turn snapshots on or off.
- Delete existing snapshots within specified timeframes or delete all stored data.
- Adjust the maximum storage capacity for snapshots, which is originally set at 25GB, 75GB, or 150GB based on your SSD size.
Moreover, you can manage filter settings to prevent sensitive information from being captured.
Understanding Click to Do
What is Click to Do?
Click to Do is designed to assist users in performing actions based on the content displayed on their screens. It functions both inside and outside the Recall app and leverages AI to recognize text and images without cloud dependency.
Activating Click to Do
To enable or disable Click to Do:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & security.
- Click on the Click to Do page.
Accessing Click to Do
You can easily access Click to Do by searching for it in Start or by using keyboard shortcuts like Windows Key + Mouse Click or Windows Key + Q. This feature provides useful context menus based on your selected texts or images, offering options like copying, opening Links, and using AI assistance.
Introducing Semantic Indexing for Windows Search
Semantic Indexing enhances the Windows Search function by integrating Natural Language Processing (NLP). This feature interprets user queries more conversationally, allowing for refined searches without the need for exact keywords.
Utilizing Semantic Indexing
To conduct searches with Semantic Indexing:
- Open Start or Windows Search.
- Enter your query naturally, such as, “Show me the bear picture I created with AI.”
Results will encompass both cloud-stored images and locally saved files, especially if you’ve enabled the "Enhanced" search setting in the Windows Search preferences.
System Requirements for These Features
Windows Recall, Click to Do, and Semantic Indexing are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Minimum hardware specifications include:
- A compatible ARM or x86 CPU with NPU.
- At least 16GB of RAM.
- A minimum of 256GB SSD.
Updating to Access New Features
To access these advanced AI capabilities, ensure your Copilot+ PC is updated by navigating to Windows Update in your system settings. Microsoft is rolling these features out gradually, meaning they may not be immediately available to all users.
