Back to news
Microsoft's Windows Recall is reportedly still capturing passwords and Social Security numbers even after its relaunch
@Source: tomsguide.com
Skip to main content
Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide
Search Tom's Guide
View Profile
Newsletters
Best Picks
Entertainment
Galaxy Z Fold 7
Switch 2 Restock
Best laptops
Wordle Today
Best Mattress
Recommended reading
Online Security
More than 184 million passwords exposed in massive data breach — Apple, Google, Microsoft and more
Online Security
16 billion password data breach hits Apple, Google, Facebook and more — LIVE updates and how to stay safe
Windows Operating Systems
Windows 11 gets new AI-powered features in latest update — here's 4 tools to try out now
Windows Operating Systems
Microsoft's Copilot Vision AI can now see your whole desktop — here's what it does
Online Security
Your old accounts are an online gold mine for cybercriminals — what you need do right now to stay safe
Online Security
Worried about the 16 billion data breach? I've been hacked, and this is everything I did to fix it
Online Security
5 Windows settings you should disable right now to improve your PC's security
Online Security
Microsoft's Windows Recall is reportedly still capturing passwords and Social Security numbers even after its relaunch
Scott Younker
1 August 2025
New report finds security loopholes still exist in this controversial Windows 11 feature
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide/Microsoft)
The controversial Microsoft Windows Recall AI app may still be in need of security work according to testing from the UK technology site, The Register.
The app, which takes screenshots of everything you do on your PC so you can find it later, supposedly has preventions to stop it from grabbing sensitive information like credit card numbers and passwords. However, the Register's team recently tested Recall and discovered that the filter actually fails "in many cases."
Recall has had a bumpy launch since it was announced as a new app for Copilot+ PCs in the summer of 2024. It was almost immediately pulled back due to security concerns, like capturing sensitive information.
You may like
More than 184 million passwords exposed in massive data breach — Apple, Google, Microsoft and more
16 billion password data breach hits Apple, Google, Facebook and more — LIVE updates and how to stay safe
Windows 11 gets new AI-powered features in latest update — here's 4 tools to try out now
The app stuttered into release and recall repeatedly, and was even caught capturing credit card numbers in December of 2024. It only recently returned to Windows Insiders in April of this year.
With Recall still in preview mode, Microsoft claims it's safe and private with a filter called "Filter sensitive information" which is enabled by default and is supposed to prevent sensitive data from being captured.
The Register's Avram Piltch used a Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Copilot Plus PC with Recall enabled and entered in several types of personal information. He does credit the filter with excluding financial data, "some" passwords, and "most instances" of Social Security numbers.
However, he found that Recall snapped screenshots of his bank's home page and a number of screens showing his balance and deposits. Though it did exclude his account and routing numbers.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
From there, Piltch performed a number of tests excluding certain language from forms or pages or storing information in different spots on his computer and much to his surprise, Recall captured that information. In one example, he wrote in a Word Doc "My SS#" and it was filtered out but when he changed it to Soc. # it did get captured.
And in one case, a document with passwords was totally captured, especially dangerous since many people might still keep their passwords in unsecure documents on their PCs (something we highly discourage given that several of the best password managers are completely free) even if they're not explicitly labeled "My passwords."
To be fair to Microsoft, the app is still in preview mode and has been since October of 2024. A blog post from November did state that Microsoft teams are working to improve the functionality of the security filter. Though, the app is being pushed during the Windows onboarding process, so perhaps that preview mode shouldn't be given as much slack.
You do have the option to block specific apps or websites from being captured. You have to go to Settings - Privacy & Security - Recall & snapshots. From there you can blacklist things. You could block your browser, though that might make Recall less useful especially if you work outside of Microsoft's office ecosystem.
If you're worried about Windows Recall potentially capturing your sensitive personal and financial data, there's an easy way to avoid this feature entirely: don't get a Copilot+ PC.
Windows Recall is designed to work specifically with laptops that use Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors, so by going with one of the best laptops powered by an Intel or AMD chip for your next upgrade, you won't have to worry about the potential security implications of this controversial feature at all.
Then again, Microsoft may decide to shelve Windows Recall for good at some point, especially given its lukewarm initial reception and the security and privacy issues it has faced already.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
More from Tom's Guide
Microsoft's 'enigma of success' grows ever higher with $27 billion in revenue after laying off 9,000 people
Microsoft study reveals the 40 jobs AI is most likely to impact — and 40 that are safe (for now)
Microsoft Authenticator is going to delete your passwords on Friday — what to do right now
Back to Laptops
AMD Ryzen 7
Intel Core i3
Intel Core i5
Intel Core i7
Storage Size
Screen Size
Refurbished
Screen Type
Storage Type
Showing 10 of 127 deals
Apple 13" MacBook Air M4 (2025)
Deal ends Sat, Aug 9, 2025
Apple 15" MacBook Air M4 (2025)
Deal ends Sat, Aug 9, 2025
Dell XPS 13 (2016)
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9)
(512GB OLED)
$858.11View
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i ChromeBook Plus
(14-inch 2TB)
$479.99View
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
(14-inch 1TB)
$1,849View
Apple 13" MacBook Air M4 (2025)
Apple 15" MacBook Air M4 (2025)
(16GB RAM SSD)
$1,035View
Dell XPS 13
(13.4-inch 512GB)
$1,399.99View
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9)
$939.99View
See more Computing News
Scott Younker
Social Links Navigation
West Coast Reporter
Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
More than 184 million passwords exposed in massive data breach — Apple, Google, Microsoft and more
16 billion password data breach hits Apple, Google, Facebook and more — LIVE updates and how to stay safe
Windows 11 gets new AI-powered features in latest update — here's 4 tools to try out now
Microsoft's Copilot Vision AI can now see your whole desktop — here's what it does
Your old accounts are an online gold mine for cybercriminals — what you need do right now to stay safe
Worried about the 16 billion data breach? I've been hacked, and this is everything I did to fix it
Latest in Online Security
Apple issues security updates to fix zero-day flaw used in Chrome attacks — update your iPhone and Mac right now
Advance Auto Parts data breach could pay out up to $5,200 — see if you qualify
Dropbox Passwords is shutting down — what you need to do
Why is Spotify asking for age verification?
FBI warns hackers are impersonating government officials in new vishing scam — how to stay safe
What is AgeGO, and is it safe to use?
Latest in News
It’s official — The Hulk will return in Spider-Man 4
Verizon just confirmed it's raising fees again — here's what you'll pay now
Here's one way to encourage Switch 2 purchases — Nintendo is raising prices on the original Switch and Switch OLED
Your NFL Sundays are about to change — ESPN is reportedly acquiring RedZone and NFL Network
HBO Max reveals ‘And Just Like That’ will end after season 3
Google’s new Deep Think feature is here — what it does and why it might not stay Ultra-exclusive for long
LATEST ARTICLES
I started using an eSIM for my summer travels — here’s why I’ll never go back to a physical SIM card
I slept on a $700 pillow and loved it — but I still prefer my $85 alternative
Verizon just confirmed it's raising fees again — here's what you'll pay now
I've been tracking deals for 18 years and I've never seen MacBooks this cheap — back to school deals from $599
Your NFL Sundays are about to change — ESPN is reportedly acquiring RedZone and NFL Network
Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.
Terms and conditions
Contact Future's experts
Privacy policy
Cookies policy
Accessibility Statement
Advertise with us
Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,
Please login or signup to comment
Please wait...
Related News
30 May, 2025
Iconic Hollywood star tipped to play vil . . .
25 Apr, 2025
Evra makes biting remark about Suarez ah . . .
19 Mar, 2025
Открытие звезды Вагифа Мустафазаде на Se . . .
30 Apr, 2025
Bangladesh Vs Zimbabwe Live Score, 2nd T . . .
30 May, 2025
Charley Hull didn’t seem happy during fi . . .
22 May, 2025
British And Irish Lions Prop Ellis Genge . . .
06 Mar, 2025
India News | Babbar Khalsa International . . .
25 Apr, 2025
Indonesian Robotics Team Breaks into Top . . .