Despite the backlash surrounding Windows Recall, Microsoft seems undeterred, introducing yet another AI-driven feature in Windows 11. A recent discovery by a user on X/Twitter reveals a feature named “Intelligent Media Search” in Windows 11 Canary Build 27695. This feature appears to scan all media files on the system—including text, images, audio, and video—and retrieve them on demand.
It remains uncertain whether Intelligent Media Search is a standalone feature or an extension of Recall. Regardless, it’s unlikely to be well-received by the Windows community, which already has reservations about security, privacy, and performance implications.
Why This AI Feature Is Concerning
Intelligent Media Search promises to simplify finding specific content on your system, from photos to documents. However, its functionality raises significant concerns. Recall previously faced criticism for its approach of capturing intermittent screenshots to enable users to “recall” past activities. While we lack details on how Intelligent Media Search operates, Microsoft has not officially confirmed its specifics.
Early concerns center around data security and protection. Although the feature’s data is encrypted and stored locally, potential vulnerabilities include unauthorized physical or remote access, which could expose sensitive information to attackers. This concern is amplified in regions with stringent data protection regulations, such as the EU, where Recall’s launch was delayed due to compliance issues.
Technical challenges also come into play. Recall faced criticism for the storage space required for its screenshots, while Intelligent Media Search might impact system performance due to constant media scanning across drives. As AI features like these evolve, they may eventually become more capable, but widespread adoption is still a way off, and affordability remains a barrier.
Lastly, while there was recent speculation that Recall might become uninstallable, Microsoft clarified this was a bug. It’s unlikely that Intelligent Media Search will be any different. Users who are uncomfortable with constant monitoring may find themselves frustrated as Microsoft continues to push its AI agenda.
