Privacy-centric browser Brave is rolling out version 1.81 with a default block on Microsoft Recall, the Windows 11 feature that takes periodic screenshots of users’ desktops and browser activity. This update ensures that all content in Brave browser windows is labeled as “private,” preventing Recall from capturing and indexing these screenshots
Microsoft’s Recall feature, originally announced in May 2024, was designed to create a searchable timeline of user activity via device screenshots. While now opt‑in and secured with Windows Hello, critics maintain it remains a significant privacy risk—especially as early versions stored screenshot data in plaintext The Verge
How Brave Enforces the Block
Using Microsoft’s SetInputScope API, Brave sets all browser windows as IS_PRIVATE, ensuring Recall treats them like private windows and skips capturing them . Brave is currently the only major browser to enforce this behavior by default across all tabs
Why Brave Took This Step
Brave argues that even with Microsoft’s privacy improvements, Recall remains antithetical to its goal of maximum privacy. The decision reflects concerns over sensitive browsing data ending up in a locally stored database—risky in high-stakes situations like intimate-partner violence or exposed medical records
Critically, although Microsoft allows users to exclude apps or websites manually, Brave wanted to eliminate reliance on user choices—to avoid any accidental recording
Precedent: Signal vs. Microsoft Recall
Encrypted messaging service Signal implemented its own defense by enabling a DRM-based “screen security” flag on Windows 11, blocking Recall from capturing message windows. While effective, Signal’s approach can interfere with screen readers—whereas Brave only blocks Recall screenshots while maintaining accessibility
User Control: Opting Into Recall on Brave
Although Brave blocks Recall by default, users can choose to allow it via settings:
- Go to Privacy & security in Brave settings
- Turn off the “Block Microsoft Recall” toggle
Enabling Recall is explicit and reversible
Broader Privacy Implications
Recall previously garnered criticism from experts who highlighted vulnerabilities, including:
Privacy-focused apps and browsers appear to be responding proactively rather than waiting for better APIs from Microsoft. Brave’s move solidifies its commitment to keeping browsing data off limiting-scope databases and out of risky storage altogether
✅ Takeaway
- Brave version 1.81 disables Microsoft Recall by default across all tabs, protecting private browsing from screenshot capture.
- This feature demonstrates Brave’s proactive stance toward privacy and user autonomy, exceeding Microsoft’s in-built protections.
- Users who prefer Recall can still enable it manually, but must do so knowingly.
- Brave remains one of the few browsers offering privacy-first defaults—ensuring sensitive data stays private even on Copilot+ PCs.
