Microsoft Pauses Release Preview Rollout of Windows 11 Version 24H2

Microsoft has quietly paused the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 to Insiders on the Release Preview Channel. On Friday, the Windows Insider team updated a May 22 blog post (via Ars Technica) to mention that the roll out had been been paused temporarily, adding that it will be resumed “in the coming weeks.”

It’s not exactly clear if the two events are related, but Microsoft also adressed on Friday the privacy and security concerns regarding the Recall feature that will debut on Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11 version 24H2. Recall is a feature that will automatically screenshots of what users are doing on their PCs to create a searchable timeline of their previous activities. However, it has been discovered that the vast amount of personal data Recall could create wasn’t appropriately protected.

Well, after listening to feedback, Microsoft explained that Recall will now require users on Copilot+ PCs to explicitely opt-in to let Windows 11 automatically take screenshots of their screens. Recall will also require users to enroll in Windows Hello, and Microsoft will also be adding additional layers of data protection for Recall snapshots, which will still be stored locally.

The first Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series chips will start shipping next week on June 18. The Windows Insider team said that these Recall updates will be implemented before Recall launches in preview on these new devices.