Microsoft is testing Project Pantheon for Windows 11, and it raises questions about Recall

• Project Pantheon is an experimental AI memory app for Windows 11 reportedly tested under the name Context Vault.
• Users can save web pages, files, screenshots, text, audio, and video, then search saved information, summarize collections, and draft content with AI.
• Unlike Windows Recall, which periodically captures screen snapshots on supported Copilot+ PCs, Pantheon focuses on content users deliberately save.
• Microsoft has not confirmed a public release, its privacy protections, or any connection between Pantheon and plans to rethink Recall.

Microsoft is testing a new AI-powered memory app for Windows 11 that takes a different approach from Windows Recall, potentially offering a glimpse of how the company could rethink its AI strategy.

The project, codenamed “Project Pantheon,” was tested as “Context Vault.” According to Windows Latest, the app lets users save web pages, files, screenshots, copied text, audio, and video, then use AI to search and organize that information. The app was discovered through an unlisted Microsoft Store listing, but the company hasn’t officially announced it or confirmed plans to release it.

Project Pantheon lets you build an AI memory

Project Pantheon works like a searchable second brain, giving you a central place to collect information and retrieve it later with AI.

Users can organize saved content into collections and ask questions about their memories, summarize collections, or draft content using saved information. The app integrates with Windows 11, letting users save content through File Explorer, the Share menu, the clipboard, Screen Capture, Click to Do, a browser extension, and supported apps.

The project has also been referred to as “Context IO,” while earlier versions used the name Projects, which still appears in some settings of Windows 11.

The tested version can use cloud-based AI models without requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). It also includes a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that could allow third-party AI tools, including Claude and Cursor, to access saved information.

The app is still experimental and has some limitations. For example, it sometimes creates incorrect collection names and offers few options for managing large collections. Since users must save content manually, they also need to remember to save anything they may want to find later.

Project Pantheon takes a different approach from Recall

The main difference between Project Pantheon and Windows Recall is how they collect information.

Recall periodically captures screen snapshots on supported Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to search their past activity. Project Pantheon instead saves content users deliberately choose to keep.

This approach gives users more control over what enters their AI memory, although it requires more manual effort.

Microsoft could be rethinking its AI memory strategy

The experiment comes as Microsoft reportedly reevaluates its broader AI strategy for Windows 11.

In January, I reported that the company was reconsidering certain Copilot integrations and rethinking Recall after sources said the feature had failed to deliver the intended experience. Microsoft was reportedly exploring ways to evolve Recall rather than abandon the concept, potentially under a different name.

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Project Pantheon could offer an alternative approach, letting users build a searchable AI memory from selected information instead of relying on automatic screen capture.

However, the company hasn’t confirmed a connection between the two projects, and no evidence suggests Pantheon will replace Recall.

Privacy and availability remain unclear

According to the report, Microsoft has considered adding encryption, Windows Hello protection, per-app access controls, user consent settings, and enterprise policies. Microsoft has not confirmed these features for a public release.

Microsoft would also need to clarify where it stores saved information, when cloud services process that data, and how users can permanently delete their memories.

For now, Project Pantheon remains an experiment. Its final name, features, and availability could change, and Microsoft has not confirmed whether it will become an actual feature of the operating system.