screenpipe vs microsoft recall
cross-platform open-source vs windows-only built-in feature
the verdict
microsoft recall is a built-in windows feature that captures screenshots for ai-powered search. however, it only works on specific copilot+ pcs running windows 11, has faced significant privacy controversies, and offers no audio capture. screenpipe works on any mac, windows, or linux machine, captures both screen and audio, and gives you complete control over your data as open-source software. both developer-friendly and easy for anyone to use.
why screenpipe wins
locked-down windows feature vs cross-platform open-source
at a glance
works on any computer
microsoft recall requires a copilot+ pc with a neural processing unit (npu). screenpipe runs on any mac, windows, or linux computer - including that 5-year-old laptop. no special hardware, no artificial limitations.
privacy controversies
recall's initial announcement sparked massive privacy backlash. security researchers demonstrated vulnerabilities, and microsoft delayed launch to add safeguards. while improved, you're still trusting microsoft with a feature that screenshots everything you do. screenpipe is open-source - every line of code is auditable.
audio matters
recall only captures screenshots - it has no audio recording. this means no meeting transcriptions, no voice note search, no capturing what was said in a call. screenpipe records both screen and audio, giving you complete context of your digital life.
cross-platform freedom
recall locks you into windows 11 on specific hardware. if you use a mac at home and windows at work, or prefer linux, recall offers nothing. screenpipe works everywhere your workflow takes you.
microsoft recall: pros & cons
where microsoft recall is strong
- deep windows integration
- natural language search
- enterprise features with microsoft purview
- no additional software to install
- automatic sensitive content filtering
limitations
- requires copilot+ pc (npu hardware)
- windows 11 only
- no audio capture
- privacy controversies at launch
- apps can block capture (signal, etc.)
- no api or extensibility
- microsoft controls the feature
ready for true data ownership?
join thousands who chose open-source, local-first ai memory. your data stays yours.