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Microsoft Recall is a Windows 11 feature that captures screenshots and makes them searchable. screenpipe offers similar functionality but with complete privacy, open source code, and cross-platform support.

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comparison

featurescreenpipemicrosoft recall
open sourceyes (MIT)no
platformsmacOS, Windows, LinuxWindows 11 only
data location100% locallocal (with cloud concerns)
NPU requirednoyes (Copilot+ PCs)
privacyauditable source codeclosed source
AI provideryour choice (local or cloud)Microsoft AI
extensibilityplugins (pipes)none

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why choose screenpipe?

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true privacy

  • open source: you can audit every line of code
  • no Microsoft account required
  • no telemetry or data collection
  • use completely local AI (Ollama)

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works everywhere

  • macOS, Windows, Linux
  • no special hardware required
  • runs on any modern computer

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you control the AI

  • use Ollama for 100% local AI
  • or connect to OpenAI, Claude, etc.
  • your choice, not Microsoft’s

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extensible

build custom integrations with the pipes system: 
import { pipe } from "@screenpipe/js";

// build anything on top of your screen data
const data = await pipe.queryScreenpipe({
  q: "meeting notes",
  contentType: "all"
});

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recall privacy concerns

Microsoft Recall has faced criticism for:
  • storing sensitive data (passwords, financial info)
  • potential security vulnerabilities
  • data being accessible to other apps
  • unclear data handling policies
screenpipe addresses these:
  • PII removal: optional automatic redaction of sensitive data
  • window filtering: exclude apps like password managers
  • local-only: data never leaves your device
  • open source: security researchers can audit the code

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filtering sensitive content

# exclude password managers and banking apps
screenpipe \
  --ignored-windows "1Password" \
  --ignored-windows "Bitwarden" \
  --ignored-windows "Chase" \
  --use-pii-removal

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get started

# macos/linux
curl -fsSL get.screenpi.pe/cli | sh

# windows
iwr get.screenpi.pe/cli.ps1 | iex
or download the desktop app