Windows 11 may get a more limited alternative to Recall

Microsoft is reportedly working on Context Vault, an AI-powered search tool that could offer Windows 11 users a more limited alternative to Recall. The feature is not officially available, and its future release is unconfirmed.

According to Windows Latest, which discovered the app, Context Vault must be installed from the Microsoft Store rather than being built into Windows 11. Unlike Recall, it does not automatically capture regular screenshots. Users manually add files or other content, such as documents, images, web pages and clipboard text, then ask the AI questions about that material or have it organize information. Windows Latest gives planning a summer trip as one example.

The app may not require a Copilot+ PC or a powerful local NPU because it can use cloud-based AI. The report also says users could give third-party AI tools such as Claude access to vault content. The current build includes a panel tracking AI token usage.

Windows Latest says the feature is at an early stage and currently has technical issues. It reports Microsoft may consider encryption, per-app access controls and a Windows Hello login to protect the vault. Using cloud AI could raise privacy concerns, though the report says that route is optional.

Reaction among people discussing the feature in testing has been skeptical, with some calling it unnecessary. Others say they use Recall and value it. The report notes that Context Vault’s tighter user control over accessible content could appeal to some people, but it is unclear whether Microsoft will release it.