May 26, 2025 — Signal, the open-source secure messaging app, has introduced a new feature designed to block Microsoft’s recently revived Windows Recall tool from capturing screenshots of its desktop app. The move comes in response to growing privacy concerns surrounding the Recall feature.
New Feature Activated by Default
On May 21, Signal released an update for its Windows desktop app that includes a “Screen security” feature. This tool is enabled by default and prevents screenshots of the app’s content from being captured by Windows Recall.
“Although Microsoft made several adjustments over the past twelve months in response to critical feedback, the revamped version of Recall still places any content that’s displayed within privacy-preserving apps like Signal at risk,” the company said in a blog post.
Using DRM to Block Screenshots
To implement this feature, Signal developers used a digital rights management (DRM) setting. This is the same technology used by media apps to block users from capturing screenshots of protected video content. When active, any screenshot taken of the Signal app results in a blank image.
However, this approach has limitations. It may affect the functionality of accessibility tools such as screen readers. Because of this, users can choose to disable the screen security setting if needed.
Protecting Sensitive Conversations
Signal defended the change, noting that the app is used by many governments, military personnel, and companies, as well as private individuals who value security. The company argued that conversations on Signal should be protected in the same way as private web browsing sessions, which Microsoft has already exempted from Recall by default.
“Messaging apps deserve to be treated with at least the same level of caution that’s afforded to a web browser’s private or incognito browsing window,” Signal stated.
Concerns Over Windows Recall
Windows Recall is a Microsoft feature that captures regular screenshots of user activity and stores them. Users can later search through this content using AI-powered tools. Although the feature was pulled last year following heavy criticism, Microsoft re-enabled it in April 2025 with additional security measures.
Despite the updates, privacy advocates and software developers like Signal remain concerned about the risks Recall poses to sensitive communications.
