Microsoft Windows 11: Difference between revisions
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===Windows Recall=== | ===Windows Recall=== | ||
{{Main|Microsoft Copilot's recall feature}} | {{Main|Microsoft Copilot's recall feature}} | ||
In 2024, Microsoft unveiled ''Recall'' for ''Copilot+ PCs'', marketed as a way for users to search through what they have done on their computer by recording their screen. This sparked controversy,<ref>[https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsofts-controversial-recall-feature-for-windows-11-could-already-be-in-legal-hot-water "Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature for Windows 11 could already be in legal hot water"] - techradar.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> especially among security experts<ref>[https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Privacy-and-security-risks-surrounding-Microsoft-Recall "Privacy and security risks surrounding Microsoft Recall"] - techtarget.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> who worried about the security of screenshots,<ref>[https://news.sky.com/story/microsoft-ai-feature-investigated-by-uk-watchdog-over-screenshots-13141171 "Microsoft AI feature investigated by UK watchdog over screenshots"] - news.sky.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> since it could easily document private information like social-security numbers, bank-account information, and passwords, as well as user browsing behavior. A ''Python'' script was developed, called "''TotalRecall''", that collects the screenshots and descriptions of these recordings,<ref>[https://github.com/xaitax/TotalRecall "TotalRecall - a 'privacy nightmare'?"] - github.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> proving the danger of ''Recall''. This feature was delayed after backlash from users.<ref>[https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/06/microsoft-recall-delayed-after-privacy-and-security-concerns "Microsoft Recall delayed after privacy and security concerns"] - malwarebytes.com - accessed 2025-01-29</ref> | In 2024, Microsoft unveiled ''Recall'' for ''Copilot+ PCs'', marketed as a way for users to search through what they have done on their computer by recording their screen. This sparked controversy,<ref>[https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsofts-controversial-recall-feature-for-windows-11-could-already-be-in-legal-hot-water "Microsoft’s controversial Recall feature for Windows 11 could already be in legal hot water"] - techradar.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251002141424/https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsofts-controversial-recall-feature-for-windows-11-could-already-be-in-legal-hot-water Archived])</ref> especially among security experts<ref>[https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Privacy-and-security-risks-surrounding-Microsoft-Recall "Privacy and security risks surrounding Microsoft Recall"] - techtarget.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251209084156/https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Privacy-and-security-risks-surrounding-Microsoft-Recall Archived])</ref> who worried about the security of screenshots,<ref>[https://news.sky.com/story/microsoft-ai-feature-investigated-by-uk-watchdog-over-screenshots-13141171 "Microsoft AI feature investigated by UK watchdog over screenshots"] - news.sky.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251002141809/https://news.sky.com/story/microsoft-ai-feature-investigated-by-uk-watchdog-over-screenshots-13141171 Archived])</ref> since it could easily document private information like social-security numbers, bank-account information, and passwords, as well as user browsing behavior. A ''Python'' script was developed, called "''TotalRecall''", that collects the screenshots and descriptions of these recordings,<ref>[https://github.com/xaitax/TotalRecall "TotalRecall - a 'privacy nightmare'?"] - github.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251202013433/https://github.com/xaitax/TotalRecall Archived])</ref> proving the danger of ''Recall''. This feature was delayed after backlash from users.<ref>[https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/06/microsoft-recall-delayed-after-privacy-and-security-concerns "Microsoft Recall delayed after privacy and security concerns"] - malwarebytes.com - accessed 2025-01-29 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251229124341/https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/06/microsoft-recall-delayed-after-privacy-and-security-concerns Archived])</ref> | ||
In 2025, Microsoft re-released ''Recall'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Corbin |date=Apr 25, 2025 |title=Windows Recall Is Finally Rolling Out After Controversal Reveal |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/windows-recall-is-finally-rolling-out-after-controversal-release/ |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=How to Geek}}</ref> with claims that the tool has resolved the security flaws and it coming disabled by default.<ref>{{Cite news |last=LeClair |first=Dave |date=Apr 11, 2025 |title=Microsoft Recall is rolling out following major controversy — what you need to know |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/microsoft-recall-is-coming-for-real-this-time |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=Tom's Guide}}</ref> However, despite integrating better security, having this feature enabled continues to pose privacy risks for consumers, as it is only a matter of when a vulnerability is discovered for the problems both consumers and businesses initially had with the tool to resurface,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Nick |date=May 5, 2025 |title=Turn Off Windows' Recall to Protect Your Privacy |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-disable-recall/ |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=How to Geek}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Piltch |first=Avram |date=2025-08-01 |title=Tested: Microsoft Recall can still capture credit cards and passwords, a treasure trove for crooks |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/01/microsoft_recall_captures_credit_card_info/ |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=The Register}}</ref> especially since it is difficult for users to inspect the screenshots that are taken by the tool. | In 2025, Microsoft re-released ''Recall'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davenport |first=Corbin |date=Apr 25, 2025 |title=Windows Recall Is Finally Rolling Out After Controversal Reveal |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/windows-recall-is-finally-rolling-out-after-controversal-release/ |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=How to Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218203614/https://www.howtogeek.com/windows-recall-is-finally-rolling-out-after-controversal-release/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> with claims that the tool has resolved the security flaws and it coming disabled by default.<ref>{{Cite news |last=LeClair |first=Dave |date=Apr 11, 2025 |title=Microsoft Recall is rolling out following major controversy — what you need to know |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/microsoft-recall-is-coming-for-real-this-time |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=Tom's Guide |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251119223853/https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/microsoft-recall-is-coming-for-real-this-time |archive-date=19 Nov 2025}}</ref> However, despite integrating better security, having this feature enabled continues to pose privacy risks for consumers, as it is only a matter of when a vulnerability is discovered for the problems both consumers and businesses initially had with the tool to resurface,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Nick |date=May 5, 2025 |title=Turn Off Windows' Recall to Protect Your Privacy |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-disable-recall/ |access-date=Jun 20, 2025 |work=How to Geek |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260110141040/https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-disable-recall/ |archive-date=10 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Piltch |first=Avram |date=2025-08-01 |title=Tested: Microsoft Recall can still capture credit cards and passwords, a treasure trove for crooks |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/01/microsoft_recall_captures_credit_card_info/ |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218063254/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/01/microsoft_recall_captures_credit_card_info/ |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref> especially since it is difficult for users to inspect the screenshots that are taken by the tool. | ||
===Windows 11 requires a Microsoft Account to use=== | ===Windows 11 requires a Microsoft Account to use=== | ||
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===Poorly disclosed data encryption=== | ===Poorly disclosed data encryption=== | ||
Computers running Windows 11 with Microsoft Account are set to automatically enable bitlocker<ref>{{Cite web |last=Microsoft Corporation |date=2024-05-24 |title=Bitlocker automatic activation |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-bitlocker |url-status=live}}</ref> which encrypts all data on internal disks, leaving key for decryption in owners Microsoft [https://myaccount.microsoft.com/device-list My Account device list] without explicitly informing the owner of doing so. Updating BIOS or hardware manipulation may lead to triggering bitlocker and leaving computer in recovery mode if bitlocker is not suspended beforehand. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Microsoft Corporation |date=2025-01-15 |title=Suspend Bitlocker |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-security/suspend-bitlocker-protection-non-microsoft-updates |url-status=live}}</ref> This process can leave owner with seemingly bricked device, especially if owners Microsoft Account was created and used only to satisfy Windows 11s requirement for Microsoft Accounts during OOBE. If key hidden in Microsoft Account is not provided, erasing encrypted disks and reinstalling operating system is recommended. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Anonymous |date=2023-03-01 |title=Microsoft Learn - Lost Bitlocker Recovery Key |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4176032/i-dont-have-my-bitlocker-code-and-i-cant-reset-win |url-status=live}}</ref> | Computers running Windows 11 with Microsoft Account are set to automatically enable bitlocker<ref>{{Cite web |last=Microsoft Corporation |date=2024-05-24 |title=Bitlocker automatic activation |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-bitlocker |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260127032356/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/oem-bitlocker |archive-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref> which encrypts all data on internal disks, leaving key for decryption in owners Microsoft [https://myaccount.microsoft.com/device-list My Account device list] without explicitly informing the owner of doing so. Updating BIOS or hardware manipulation may lead to triggering bitlocker and leaving computer in recovery mode if bitlocker is not suspended beforehand. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Microsoft Corporation |date=2025-01-15 |title=Suspend Bitlocker |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-security/suspend-bitlocker-protection-non-microsoft-updates |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102043425/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/windows-security/suspend-bitlocker-protection-non-microsoft-updates |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref> This process can leave owner with seemingly bricked device, especially if owners Microsoft Account was created and used only to satisfy Windows 11s requirement for Microsoft Accounts during OOBE. If key hidden in Microsoft Account is not provided, erasing encrypted disks and reinstalling operating system is recommended. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Anonymous |date=2023-03-01 |title=Microsoft Learn - Lost Bitlocker Recovery Key |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4176032/i-dont-have-my-bitlocker-code-and-i-cant-reset-win |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251018001915/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4176032/i-dont-have-my-bitlocker-code-and-i-cant-reset-win |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref> | ||
===Misleading presentation of Microsoft OneDrive=== | ===Misleading presentation of Microsoft OneDrive=== | ||
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===Microsoft Bing Wallpaper=== | ===Microsoft Bing Wallpaper=== | ||
Bing Wallpaper is a free-to-download app on the Microsoft Store that displays a daily rotation of wallpapers for Windows 11 computers.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Explore the world one photo at a time {{!}} Bing Wallpaper |url=https://www.bing.com/apps/wallpaper?pc=w011&brand=bing |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Bing}}</ref> By default, an option is toggled in its settings to automatically open Bing and search for the wallpaper's contents whenever one clicks somewhere on their desktop that doesn't contain an icon and place a permanent window on top of one's wallpaper to learn more. This option must be manually switched off in a setting at the bottom of the options page.<ref>{{Cite web |last=M B |first=Abhijith |date=26 Oct 2025 |title=Windows 11’s Bing Wallpaper app opens Bing.com if you click anywhere on the desktop |url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/10/26/windows-11s-bing-wallpaper-app-opens-bing-com-if-you-click-anywhere-on-the-desktop/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Windows Latest}}</ref> Along with this, it reportedly replaces one's default search engine with Bing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Darren |date=28 Oct 2025 |title=Microsoft sinks to new lows with Bing Wallpaper 'feature' in Windows 11 that'll either confuse or annoy you |url=https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-sinks-to-new-lows-with-bing-wallpaper-feature-in-windows-11-thatll-either-confuse-or-annoy-you |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=TechRadar}}</ref> | Bing Wallpaper is a free-to-download app on the Microsoft Store that displays a daily rotation of wallpapers for Windows 11 computers.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Explore the world one photo at a time {{!}} Bing Wallpaper |url=https://www.bing.com/apps/wallpaper?pc=w011&brand=bing |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Bing}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260116071012/https://www.bing.com/apps/wallpaper?brand=bing&pc=w011 Archived])</ref> By default, an option is toggled in its settings to automatically open Bing and search for the wallpaper's contents whenever one clicks somewhere on their desktop that doesn't contain an icon and place a permanent window on top of one's wallpaper to learn more. This option must be manually switched off in a setting at the bottom of the options page.<ref>{{Cite web |last=M B |first=Abhijith |date=26 Oct 2025 |title=Windows 11’s Bing Wallpaper app opens Bing.com if you click anywhere on the desktop |url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/10/26/windows-11s-bing-wallpaper-app-opens-bing-com-if-you-click-anywhere-on-the-desktop/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Windows Latest}}</ref> Along with this, it reportedly replaces one's default search engine with Bing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Darren |date=28 Oct 2025 |title=Microsoft sinks to new lows with Bing Wallpaper 'feature' in Windows 11 that'll either confuse or annoy you |url=https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-sinks-to-new-lows-with-bing-wallpaper-feature-in-windows-11-thatll-either-confuse-or-annoy-you |url-status=live |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=TechRadar |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206100558/https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-sinks-to-new-lows-with-bing-wallpaper-feature-in-windows-11-thatll-either-confuse-or-annoy-you |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> | ||
'''Microsoft also forces Co-Pilot onto consumers''' | '''Microsoft also forces Co-Pilot onto consumers''' | ||