When to use Recall (preview)

  • 3 minutes

Recall (preview) is most useful when you can describe what you remember but don’t know where to find it. Instead of reopening multiple tabs or searching through folders, Recall (preview) lets you return directly to what you previously saw.

Consider using Recall (preview) when:

  • You remember seeing something but not where it was: Describe what you remember instead of searching manually
  • You work across multiple apps and browser sessions: Return to previously viewed content without switching between tools
  • You need to revisit recent activity: Use the timeline to retrace your steps
  • You want to reduce time switching between tools: Find content without reopening multiple apps
  • You’re working on complex or multi-step tasks: Maintain continuity by returning to earlier steps

In these scenarios, Recall (preview) helps users stay focused on their work instead of retracing steps to find information.

Note

Some features and management controls for Recall (preview) might require eligible Microsoft 365, Microsoft Intune, or Microsoft Purview licenses and must be enabled by your organization.

Try it yourself

Use Recall (preview) to complete the following tasks:

  • Find something you viewed earlier: Open Recall (preview) and enter a natural language description of a document on your PC, such as: “presentation I reviewed yesterday” or “budget spreadsheet from last week.” Review the results and select a snapshot to return to the content.
  • Browse your recent activity: Open the Recall (preview) timeline and scroll through recent activity to locate something you viewed earlier. Select a snapshot to reopen the associated app, file, or webpage.
  • Identify when Recall (preview) is helpful: Think about a recent task where you had trouble finding something you previously viewed. Consider how Recall (preview) could help you return to that content more quickly.

As you complete these tasks, notice how Recall (preview) aligns with how you remember information—not just how it’s stored. Once you’ve completed everything, ask yourself: Would this have been faster than how I normally search for content?

Note

Recall (preview) might not be available on all devices or within all organizations. Availability depends on device capabilities and whether the feature has been enabled by your organization.

If you remember what you saw but not where it is, use Recall (preview). If you know where it’s stored, use Windows search or navigation. Recall (preview) helps you find content based on memory and context, rather than file names or folder locations.

The following table provides a quick reference to help you decide when to use Recall (preview) versus Windows search.

If you… Use
Know the file name or location Search
Remember what you saw but not where Recall (preview)
Want to browse past activity Recall (preview) timeline