Why Microsoft Recall Is Being Blocked by Brave and AdGuard

Microsoft Recall, a feature on Copilot Plus PCs that silently captures screenshots of user activity, has sparked strong privacy concerns across the tech community. Many users have been asking: Why is Microsoft Recall being blocked? The answer lies in how the AI tool functions. Designed to run in the background, Recall constantly monitors screen activity—often without user awareness. This triggered pushback from privacy-focused platforms. The Brave browser and AdGuard have now followed Signal’s lead in actively blocking Microsoft Recall, citing its invasive nature.

Brave's Stance on Microsoft Recall Blocked Feature

The Brave browser, known for its commitment to privacy-first browsing, announced that it will disable Recall by default on Windows 11 and above. While users can manually re-enable it, Brave’s move sends a clear message. Inspired partly by Signal’s earlier decision, Brave criticized the lack of meaningful privacy controls from Microsoft. “We will disable it by default for Windows 11+ users,” Brave stated, emphasizing the importance of protecting user data from unwanted surveillance.

AdGuard Labels Microsoft Recall a Privacy Concern

AdGuard, a company that offers tools to block ads and trackers, also weighed in on the Microsoft Recall controversy. In a detailed blog post, AdGuard described Recall as an “unsettling” feature that could potentially screenshot sensitive personal information—including private chats, passwords, or banking details. By labeling the AI tool a privacy threat, AdGuard justified its decision to block Recall across its systems, advocating for more transparent and secure user environments.

Signal’s Role in Kickstarting the Microsoft Recall Blocked Trend

Signal, the encrypted messaging platform, was the first to take action against Recall back in May 2025. They used DRM flags to prevent Recall—and any other screenshot tools—from capturing content inside the app. Signal criticized Microsoft for rolling out Recall without allowing developers to opt out or apply privacy settings. This lack of developer control has fueled a broader debate over how AI should respect user privacy across all applications.