Microsoft testing reported Context Vault alternative to Recall for Windows 11

Microsoft reportedly tests Project Pantheon

Microsoft is reportedly testing an experimental Windows 11 AI application called Context Vault under the project name Project Pantheon. The application was described as a possible, less intrusive alternative to Recall, Microsoft’s controversial feature for capturing screen activity. The project has not been publicly announced, and Context Vault remains an unfinished internal test build rather than a confirmed Windows 11 release.

According to reporting published October 23, the test application can be used to save selected content as “memories” and later ask AI questions about it. The reviewed build was reportedly available through an unlisted Microsoft Store listing discovered by Windows Latest, without an invitation or a public announcement from Microsoft.

Manual selection replaces automatic screen capture

Recall periodically captures the screen automatically, while the reported Context Vault build requires users to choose the material to save. Supported items reportedly include web pages, files, screenshots, copied text, audio and video.

Saved content can be organized into collections or placed in an “uncategorized memories” section. The application can also create collections automatically, although the early test build has produced incomplete labels, indicating that it remains unfinished.

Windows 11 integration and AI access

The test build was reported to connect with Windows 11 through File Explorer’s Share menu, a browser extension, the clipboard, Screen Capture, Click to Do and supported applications. Its chat interface can be used to ask AI to summarize, list or work with saved collections.

A reported Model Context Protocol server could allow third-party AI applications, including Claude and Cursor, to use saved memories. The reviewed reporting did not establish that Microsoft had finalized external access, security controls, availability or general release plans.

Experimental status remains unresolved

The reports did not establish that Microsoft would replace Recall with Context Vault or include the application in a future Windows 11 release. One contextual report said the application was not officially available in ordinary Microsoft Store searches, despite the unlisted listing found during testing.

The available evidence also left unclear the final availability requirements, hardware needs, privacy safeguards and extent of cloud-based processing. The next verifiable milestone would be an official Microsoft announcement, a public listing or confirmation that the project will be released.