SnoFox

@snofox@sfba.social
13 Followers
41 Following
156 Posts
I am: DevOps. Food. Gaming. Traveling. Anime.
Equal parts memes and complaints.
Websitehttps://snofox.net
Birdsite@snofox@twitter.com
FFXIVAether -> Jenova
SnoFoxOct 19, 2024
Ciarán McNallyOct 19, 2024

Microsoft enabled the notorious "Recall" with the last update (for Windows 11 copilot+ enabled pcs only). It's part of the OS and can't be uninstalled. This software stores metadata about EVERYTHING that appears on your screen, including passwords/urls/images/videos/any messages you send or emails etc

To disable this gross spyware, run the following as admin on the command line:

Dism /Online /Disable-Feature
/Featurename:Recall

#Windows #Spyware #Recall #PrivacyAbuse

SnoFoxOct 1, 2024
Switching to iPhone because no matter how many times and ways I tell Android I don't want my phone to display TV controls in my notification shade, it does it anyway, randomly sliding what I wanted to click on out of the way and seeking in my video. Thanks.
SnoFoxSep 29, 2024

Unpopular(?) opinion: if you are a budding DJ who volunteers for a public event and you're butchering every song, you should legally have your DJ equipment repossessed.

Please learn and create more music for the masses. But start on SoundCloud my dude.

SnoFoxSep 20, 2024

We live in a world where my iPhone friend has RCS but an Android user cannot.

I like Textra. I bought Pro even. I'm not using Google Messages to improve an emergency backup communications channel, lmao.

SnoFoxSep 7, 2024

My poor kitty thinks I'm dying. I left for Dragoncon and she missed the heck out of me. She wanted to play for hours when I got back. Fast forward to today, the Con Crud is hitting hard and she's doing nothing but cuddling me.

In cat brain I leave for a while then come back sick. Poor thing.

SnoFoxJul 10, 2024
Hacker MemesJul 10, 2024
SnoFoxJul 10, 2024
SwiftOnSecurityJul 10, 2024

How your views on programmers progress in InfoSec

1.) Developers should know better
2.) Developers are users too
3.) They are paid to much to be absolved of sin

SnoFoxFeb 17, 2024
⛧-440729 [sophie raven]Feb 16, 2024
oh: you've heard of github actions, but are you ready for github consequences?
SnoFoxDec 29, 2023
Hourly FopsDec 27, 2023
#fox #hourly
SnoFoxNov 13, 2023
Jake RodkinNov 12, 2023

A couple of days ago at work we announced the Steam Deck OLED. It’s available next week (Nov 16) and though it’s got a bunch of great improvements like longer battery life, faster downloads, the star is the ultra-bright HDR OLED screen.

The screens are ridiculously bright and vibrant, so we thought it would be fun to use actual Steam Deck OLEDs as lighting sources to light our entire launch trailer.

Of course this necessitated building a giant metal orb. First though, here’s the final spot:

×
Ciarán McNallyOct 19, 2024

Microsoft enabled the notorious "Recall" with the last update (for Windows 11 copilot+ enabled pcs only). It's part of the OS and can't be uninstalled. This software stores metadata about EVERYTHING that appears on your screen, including passwords/urls/images/videos/any messages you send or emails etc

To disable this gross spyware, run the following as admin on the command line:

Dism /Online /Disable-Feature
/Featurename:Recall

#Windows #Spyware #Recall #PrivacyAbuse

Show threadAceadeOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak For me, this reports that "Feature name Recall is unknown". I'm guessing that means I don't have it at all?
Show threadWagsterOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak
Was this Recall feature included in updates in the EU?
Show threadsaadounOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak so they didn’t include a disable option in the settings and control panel
Show threadRastalOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Judging by their previous behaviour, I would assume Microsoft would re-enable Recall on every system update?!
Show threadsimplycorbettOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak There is a reason I switched fully to MacOS and Linux.

I wouldn't trust that actually disables it. It's probably still running in the background but the user can't see it.
Show threadWagsterOct 19, 2024

@simplycorbett @ciaranmak
I'm considering a switch to Mac when the Windows 10 updates end in October 2025. However, is there any guarantee that Apple won't introduce a similar "feature" to Recall in a future update?

Sadly, programmes I need for work (Affinity suite) don't run on Linux.

Show threadsimplycorbettOct 19, 2024
@Wagster @simplycorbett @ciaranmak No, there is no guarantee. Use Linux if you want peace of mind. Does affinity suite work in wine or proton?
Show threadWagsterOct 19, 2024
@simplycorbett @ciaranmak
Not particularly well in Wine apparently. I've never heard of Proton so I'll check out the Affinity forums and see what people have found.
Show threadsophieOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak do you know if it is copilot+ PCs only or also other models?
Show threadDanilOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak ability to search in your-action-history - on paper sound amazing.
Show threadtiusOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak
¡Hasta software libre, siempre!
Show threadNik 🍉Oct 19, 2024

@ciaranmak But you can uninstall it and it's only available on Copilot+ PCs, not everywhere

https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/27/24255721/microsoft-windows-recall-ai-security-improvements-overhaul-uninstall

Microsoft’s more secure Windows Recall feature can also be uninstalled by users

Microsoft will allow Copilot Plus PC owners to uninstall its AI-powered Recall feature. It’s part of a big overhaul to Recall following security concerns.

The Verge
Show threadMartijn van EetenOct 19, 2024
@nelsonakis @ciaranmak that appears to be old info. Uninstalling recall seems to break Windows File Explorer.
Show thread Why Not Zoidberg? 🦑Oct 19, 2024

@ciaranmak Which update is this? When was it pushed?

...Oh they still say you need an AI enabled PC for it? That's why I haven't seen the update I guess?

Also why use the command line when you have the settings under "settings"?

Show threadshgrOct 19, 2024
@WhyNotZoidberg @ciaranmak Windows 11 24H2. I'm in Europe and the first PC I've seen with this update "only" has Copilot enabled.
Show thread Why Not Zoidberg? 🦑Oct 19, 2024
@shgr @ciaranmak What I have been able to read up on is that it is now 100% opt IN, not opt out. Plus of course that you still have to have a computer manufactured 2023-2024, so you get the special chip or it won't even be in settings (only 90% sure of this part).
Show threadnjsgOct 19, 2024
@shgr @WhyNotZoidberg @ciaranmak Are you in the Union and is Windows set as being in a member state? Or how are they toggling this?
Show thread Why Not Zoidberg? 🦑Oct 19, 2024
@njsg @shgr @ciaranmak EU, and my settings are "Swedish local, with American English"
Show threadbcordierOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Still wouldn't trust the OS even after doing that.
Show threadJustRosy 🇺🇦Oct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Linux.
Show threadB4evrmee has movedOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Thanks so much.
Show thread熵Oct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Any way to 'delete' this after disabling it?
Show thread熵Oct 19, 2024
my bad, didn't read they made it part of the OS.
Show threadJackTLaddOct 19, 2024

@ciaranmak the fun wack-a-mole every patch tuesday begins!

Also how to delete the snapshots it's taken:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/privacy-and-control-over-your-recall-experience-d404f672-7647-41e5-886c-a3c59680af15

Privacy and control over your Recall experience - Microsoft Support

Show threadAzureArmageddonOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak With WinUtil I hope to delay 24H2 until 2027 so I can prepare to migrate to some form of Linux. Expecting to lose some software on the way but I guess that was bound to happen regardless.
Show threadChu 朱Oct 19, 2024

@ciaranmak

My next machine is going to be an old machine with Linux installed. This is just ridiculous.

Show threadNiels RoetertOct 21, 2024
@chu @ciaranmak why an old PC, it runs perfectly fine on new hardware and is even more fun that way 🤔
Show threadChu 朱Oct 21, 2024

@tuxlife @ciaranmak

Why create e waste when I don't have to? I have an old machine that can't do windoze bloatware but will be fine running sane software

Show threadorkodenOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Disabling Windows Recall might also be a good idea if you run Windows 11 in a Parallels Desktop VM on macOS. It integrates the operating systems quite deeply.
Show threadSilvengaOct 19, 2024

@ciaranmak isn't that how you uninstall it?

If it wasn't a servicing package (dism), then vendors and companies would have a much harder time excluding it from their images.

It would be more accurate to say that it's a Windows component that's enabled by default but can be removed by the owner of the system.

Show threadMelroy van den BergOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak to resolve it. You uninstall windows. And install Linux.
Show threadGhostDragonOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak .
Show threadagatha  Oct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak wasn't recall only on copilot+ pcs?
Show thread\\mellowOct 20, 2024
@agatha yeah it is. @ciaranmak is just fearmongering - if not he/she should edit and clarify this.
Show thread Tired Bunny  Oct 21, 2024
@agatha @ciaranmak From what I can see it's enabled everywhere but works only on on copilot+ (at least for now). Not as bad as actually having it working without telling, but very suspicious to have it enabled and not being able to disable it without command line.
Show threadagatha  Oct 21, 2024

@untsuki @ciaranmak you can actually can disable without the command line

on copilot+ pcs, where the thing works

Show threadAnalog AIOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak My son says he had already opted out of Copilot before the update, and it appears that Recall is also already disabled for him.
Show threadDoomsdaysCWOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak I asked Co-Pilot how to disable Co-Pilot, followed the instructions, and now it *seems8 to be gone.
Show threadBeeksOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Someone explain to me like I'm 5 what I did wrong. Am I not getting the latest update yet because I'm on the Home version or something or is this just misinformation I fell for? #Windows #Recall #Spyware
Show thread\\mellowOct 20, 2024
@Beeks @ciaranmak a bit of both. You need update 24H2 - it’s still in rollout. Also your pc needs to be a CoPilot+ device , otherwise Recall doesn’t do anything and you can just leave it as is. This post is fearmongering at its finest.
Show threadlzccr  Oct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Hopefully Microsoft will ***always*** allow users to disable recall via command line. Previously people used command line to skip the online Microsoft account signin, that is not something possible anymore last time I installed Windows.
Show threadSepiroth X VillainousOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak I run cracked Windows 10 in my lab pcs. I got 30 of those 😅😂
Show thread🐜Oct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak or don't use windows
Show threadTorlais NeoiniOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak What a horror. Is there an equivalent in Apple’s desktop OS?
Show threadDominikOct 19, 2024

@ciaranmak Hopefully O&O ShutUp10++ adds support to disable it as well. Not that I use Windows that often or do anything worth securing there, but I don't want this just out of principle.

Edit: First point on their feature list is "Disable Windows Copilot+ Recall"

Show threadGermán A. Quimbayo RuizOct 19, 2024
@ciaranmak Hello there. I tried to do the command, but it seems that the update is not yet functioning on my PC laptop, even though I just got an update. I do not know if this has relationship to enable the Copilot thing, which I have resisted to use. Btw, I'm outside the EU territory. Anyway, it is good to have this kind of awareness since still I have to use MS.
Show threadGarret SidzakaOct 20, 2024

@ciaranmak

we are all thinking about #hackers using it. what about bosses at work, abusive husbands, spying parents, people outing trans people...

it gets worse and worse the more i go

Show threadgunstickOct 20, 2024
@ciaranmak instead of this I simply run some linux distribution. 😁
Show threadAllieOct 20, 2024
@ciaranmak the hoops people continue to jump through instead of using free software that respects them... It's like if someone was bleeding out but refused to put a bandage on because it might sting and be awkward to move in at first.
Show threadKevin Karhan Nov 16, 2024

@alspals @ciaranmak yeah, I don't understand the level of "masochism" one needs to desire to use #Windows or #Office365.

  • I'd rather build a bed out of bayonets than having to deal with that garbage Software. I've got more important things to do than being clowned by #GAFAMs!

And like the Windows CryptoAPI Backdoor Fix, this change isn't permanent but needs to be manually done and verified after *every single boot to be shure.

GitHub - kkarhan/windows-ca-backdoor-fix: Fixes a critical backdoor in Windows' CryptoAPI, which allows to unconsenting Update of CA Certificates in the background. See https://www.heise.de/ct/ausgabe/2013-17-Zweifelhafte-Updates-gefaehrden-SSL-Verschluesselung-2317589.html

Fixes a critical backdoor in Windows' CryptoAPI, which allows to unconsenting Update of CA Certificates in the background. See https://www.heise.de/ct/ausgabe/2013-17-Zweifelhafte-Updates-gefae...

GitHub
Show threadSophilautia ❤️‍🔥🌼Oct 20, 2024
@ciaranmak Hm, I'm getting "Feature name Recall is unknown".
Show threadSirWumpus 👾🍁Oct 20, 2024

@ciaranmak As with Cortana (also rubbish) before it I would take ownership and rename the C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_(somehash) to (old_name).OFF.

Same should be possible with Copilot crap. Only problem would be that occasional updates would restore the directory and one would have to disable it again. I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft refuses to honour disabling Copilot.

Show threadViktoria D. Richards/UddelhexeOct 20, 2024

@ciaranmak

I disabled it with: download Linux, install Linux, throw Windows out, use Linux.

W11 was my final motivator to overcome my fear to try to break free from Microsoft. Luckiky i had already started to find and use Linux friendly alternatives for everything and only Ubuntu itself is now what i need to get used to.

But the the tips to disable Recall will be useful with my mother's PC which switched to 11

Show threadRyek DarkenerOct 20, 2024

@ciaranmak

… or install Linux. This would solve the problem once and for all.

Show threadvermadenOct 21, 2024

@ciaranmak

I really like that @Microsoft
gives new reasons to switch from @Windows
to anything else from time to time :)

Show threadP∆sc∆l 🐢Oct 22, 2024
@ciaranmak Honestly with MS track record, of re-enabling things to "improve the user experience", I would put the command into a .bat script to always run at boot.
Show threadRossSOct 24, 2024
@ciaranmak Never ever execute code from a source other than someone you explicitly trust. This is a horrible example of what is wrong with many approaches.