Windows 11’s Recall feature has been successfully run on older ARM-based hardware, surprising many. This new capability, initially designed for the latest Copilot Plus PCs, raises questions about compatibility and the future of AI features in older devices. So, how was this achieved? Let’s dive into the details.
Windows 11 Recall Feature on Unsupported ARM Devices
The Recall feature, designed for the new Copilot Plus PCs, leverages local AI models to track and record everything happening on your computer in the background. This includes the ability to search through photos, documents, and conversations with a comprehensive timeline of activities. While Microsoft claimed that Recall requires the latest neural processing units (NPUs), tech enthusiasts have managed to run it on older ARM-based hardware.
Windows expert Albacore developed a tool named Amperage, which enables the Recall feature on older devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, Microsoft’s SQ processors, or Ampere chipsets. This tool works with the latest Windows 11 24H2 update, enabling Recall on these older ARM devices.
Currently, this feature is functional only on older ARM hardware. However, it’s anticipated that AMD and Intel’s Copilot Plus PCs, once released, will also support these AI features. Microsoft has so far released AI components exclusively for the Windows on ARM platform. This means that the necessary x64 AI components for Intel and AMD hardware are not yet available but are expected to be released soon.
Why Limit AI Features to New Devices?
This situation raises a critical question: if these AI features can run on older hardware, why does Microsoft restrict them to new devices? Microsoft might argue that the NPU capabilities of 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS) are crucial for future AI experiences. Nonetheless, the successful operation of Recall on older ARM devices challenges the necessity of these limitations.
Accessing the Amperage Tool
For those interested in exploring this capability, the Amperage tool enabling Recall on older ARM hardware can be accessed here. The broader implications of this development suggest that AI features could be more widely accessible, potentially benefiting users with older devices.
What do you think about this development? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
