Microsoft Copilot and Recall Settings to Check on Windows

Recall and Copilot are separate features with separate settings. On a Copilot+ PC, check Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots. In the Copilot app, review memory, training and connected services. In Microsoft 365 apps, Copilot has its own switch in each app. Menus change often, so expect some differences.

Microsoft uses the name Copilot for several products, which makes this confusing. The personal Copilot app, Copilot in Word and Excel, and Microsoft 365 Copilot at work each have different controls. Microsoft says an updated Copilot app arrived on 18 August 2026, and its help pages split between the new and older versions. This guide notes where that matters.

Which features you have

• Recall saves snapshots of your screen so you can search them later. It only runs on Copilot+ PCs and stores data on the device.
• Copilot app is the personal assistant, signed in with a personal Microsoft account. It runs in Microsoft's cloud.
• Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps works inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other apps.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot is the work version. Your organization controls most of its settings.

How to check Recall

Recall is off until you opt in. Microsoft says each user must choose to turn on snapshots, and Windows Hello with a face or fingerprint is needed to open it.

1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots. If the page is missing, your PC may not support Recall, or the feature may have been removed.
2. Check whether Save snapshots is on. Turn it off if you do not use Recall.
3. Add apps to the filter list, such as your password manager, banking app and any app that shows client data.
4. Add websites to the filter list. Website filtering works in Edge, Firefox, Opera and Chrome.
5. Set how long snapshots are kept, and how much space they can use, if your version offers it.
6. Confirm that Sensitive information filtering is on. Microsoft says it helps reduce passwords, ID numbers and card numbers being stored, and that it will not catch everything.
7. Delete past snapshots you do not want from the same page.

To pause for a while, select the Recall icon in the system tray. To remove the feature fully, use Turn Windows features on or off and clear Recall.

Keep these limits in mind:

• Private windows in supported browsers are not saved.
• A filtered site can still appear in embedded content, browser history or a background tab, according to Microsoft's admin guide.
• Some remote desktop apps are filtered by default, but others are saved unless they protect screen capture.
• If several people share a PC, each person makes their own choice.

How to check the Copilot app

Microsoft's guidance differs between app versions. These steps come from its page for the updated app and its page for the older app.

Memory

• Updated app: go to Settings > Personalization. Turn off Saved memories to stop new ones.
• Older app: select your profile icon, then Memory, then Personalization and memory.

Turning memory off does not delete what is already saved. Select Manage and read the list, then delete entries or use Delete all memories. This is worth doing even if you keep memory on. The CoSnitch research showed that a crafted web page could write instructions into Copilot's memory.

Model training

Look under Privacy in Copilot's settings for Training on conversation activity and Training on voice conversations. On copilot.com in the older version, the path is your profile icon, your profile name, then Privacy. Opting out applies to future conversations. If you cannot see these switches, your account type, region or app version may be the reason.

Other controls in the updated app

Under Settings > Personalization, review Web search, Allow ads personalization and One shared experience. US accounts may also see Settings > Web browsing > Import browser data.

Chat history

Delete a single chat from the chat list by opening More and choosing Delete. To clear everything, use your activity history in the Microsoft privacy dashboard.

Connected services

Copilot connectors can reach OneDrive, Outlook.com, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Contacts. Look for connectors in the Copilot app's settings or plus menu, and turn off any you do not use. The exact place varies. To remove Copilot's access to a Google account fully, also check myaccount.google.com/connections.

How to remove the Copilot app

On Windows 11, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Copilot, select the three dots, and choose Uninstall. Windows updates may change what is installed, so check again now and then.

How to turn off Copilot in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Microsoft's steps work per app and per device, so repeat them for each one.

1. In the app, go to File > Options > Copilot.
2. Clear Enable Copilot.
3. Select OK, then close and restart the app.

On a Mac, use the app menu and Preferences. Microsoft says you cannot turn this off in the iPhone, Android or web versions. If the checkbox is missing, update the app.

What to check at work

Work accounts follow your organization's rules, so you may not see these options.

• Recall is removed by default on managed devices. Admins must allow it, and they cannot start saving snapshots for a user.
• Admins can set policies under Windows Components > Windows AI, including Allow Recall to be enabled and Turn off saving snapshots for Recall.
• Storage, retention and filter policies apply only to Enterprise and Education editions.
• If people bring their own Copilot+ PCs, those machines are not covered by those policies. Set a clear rule about snapshots on work data.
• Review which apps are connected to Copilot, and treat it like any account with wide access.

If you are not sure about a setting at work, ask your IT team before you change it.

Prycheck can show Recall status and privacy consents on your Windows PC, which gives you a starting list for this review.

Frequently asked questions

Does Recall send my screen to Microsoft?

Microsoft says snapshots are stored and analyzed on your device, and it cannot view them. They can still hold sensitive content on that device, so filter any app you would not want stored.

If I turn off memory in Copilot, is my chat history gone?

No. Memory and chat history are separate. Delete saved memories and chats separately, and check your activity history in the Microsoft privacy dashboard.

Do these settings apply to my work account?

Mostly not. Work accounts follow your organization's policies, and some personal controls will not appear. Ask your admin what applies to you.