A Copilot+ PC is a Windows 11 computer built around a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Microsoft announced the category on May 20, 2024, combining qualifying hardware, Windows AI features, local models and developer APIs. The “most significant change to the Windows platform in decades” wording is Microsoft’s positioning, not an independent benchmark.
What is a Copilot+ PC?
Copilot+ is a hardware-qualified Windows PC category rather than a separate edition of Windows. Microsoft’s design puts AI processing across the silicon, operating system, application layer and cloud, with the NPU handling supported workloads on the device.
What does 40 TOPS mean?
TOPS means trillion operations per second. The figure describes the NPU’s AI-compute capacity; it is not a complete measure of laptop speed, battery life or application performance. Microsoft described launch Copilot+ systems as having NPUs capable of more than 40 TOPS. Microsoft Devices Blog material for the launch Surface models reported more than 45 TOPS.
| Figure | What it refers to | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| More than 40 TOPS | Minimum capability Microsoft used to define launch Copilot+ systems | Microsoft launch description, 2024 |
| More than 45 TOPS | NPU capability reported for launch Surface Copilot+ models | Microsoft Devices Blog, 2024; not an independent benchmark |
Windows Copilot Runtime and developer APIs
Microsoft presents the NPU as the foundation for Windows Copilot Runtime: a set of system components, local models and APIs intended to let Windows and third-party applications add on-device AI features. A Copilot+ badge therefore indicates an ecosystem of hardware and software support, not just a faster processor.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
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- Efficient Performance for Everyday Computing: Powered by Intel N150 Quad-Core processor (up to 3.6GHz, 6MB cache) with 8GB LPDDR5-4800 RAM and integrated Intel Graphics, delivering smooth multitasking for web browsing, document editing, streaming, and video calls. Pre-installed Windows 11 Home in S mode, English with Microsoft 365 Personal included for productivity right out of the box.
- Immersive 15.6" FHD Display with Privacy Features: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare display with 250 nits brightness and 88% screen-to-body ratio for an expansive viewing experience. HD 720p camera with built-in privacy shutter protects your privacy when not in use, perfect for secure video conferencing and online learning.
- Fast Connectivity and Seamless Wireless Performance: Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster, more reliable wireless connections. Multiple ports including 2x USB-A 5Gbps, 1x USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4, headphone jack, and SD card reader provide versatile connectivity for all your devices and accessories.
- Portable Design Built for Durability: Weighing just 3.42 lbs with a slim 0.70-inch profile, this laptop is easy to carry anywhere. MIL-STD-810H military-grade tested for reliability and durability. Arctic Grey finish with ergonomic design includes a precision touchpad and full-size keyboard with dedicated AI Copilot hotkey for enhanced productivity.
- All-Day Computing with Energy-Efficient Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1 storage provides fast boot times and quick file access. User-facing stereo speakers (1.5W x2) with HD audio and dual-array microphones deliver clear sound for entertainment and communication. ENERGY STAR 9.0 certified and EPEAT Silver registered for eco-friendly computing with 65W power adapter included.
How is a Copilot+ PC different from a normal Windows 11 PC?
| Area | Copilot+ PC | Ordinary Windows 11 PC |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware qualification | Includes an NPU rated above Microsoft’s 40-TOPS threshold. | May have no NPU or an NPU below that threshold. |
| AI execution | Supported Windows experiences can use the NPU for local processing. | AI work may rely on the CPU, GPU or cloud services, depending on the application. |
| System features | Eligible for Copilot+ features when the required Windows build, hardware and region are supported. | Receives standard Windows 11 features but is not automatically eligible for Copilot+ experiences. |
| Processor choices | Launch and subsequent systems use Qualcomm, Intel or AMD platforms, with compatibility varying by model. | Can use a much broader range of Windows-compatible hardware. |
The practical difference is therefore eligibility for NPU-accelerated Windows experiences. The Copilot+ label does not guarantee that every AI feature is enabled on every model or that every traditional Windows application will behave identically across processor architectures.
What can Copilot+ PCs do?
Recall
Recall is designed to help you find things you previously saw on your PC. Its availability and requirements changed after launch; the current status is covered below.
Cocreator
Cocreator can generate and refine images locally, using the PC’s NPU rather than sending the core generation task to a remote service.
Rank #2
- Powerful Intel Performance & Ample Memory: Intel N150 quad-core processor (up to 3.6GHz Turbo Boost, 6MB cache) paired with 4GB LPDDR5-4800 RAM delivers smooth multitasking for students, professionals, and remote workers. 128GB UFS storage provides space for documents, media, and projects. Includes 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, 1TB OneDrive).
- Vibrant 14" HD Display with AI-Enhanced Video: 14" HD (1366x768) anti-glare micro-edge display with 250-nit brightness and 79% screen-to-body ratio offers comfortable viewing. HP True Vision 720p HD camera with AI Noise Reduction and dual-array microphones ensures crystal-clear video calls for online classes, meetings, and virtual collaboration.
- Next-Gen Connectivity & Versatile Ports: Wi-Fi 6 (2x2) delivers faster wireless speeds; Bluetooth 5.4 connects accessories seamlessly. Comprehensive ports: USB-C 10Gbps (DisplayPort 1.2), 2x USB-A 5Gbps, HDMI 1.4b, SD card reader, and audio jack. Easily connect external monitors, transfer files, and expand your workspace.
- All-Day Battery & Ultra-Portable Design: Up to 11 hours video playback or 7.5 hours mixed usage keeps you productive all day. Weighs just 3.24 lbs with 0.71" slim profile—perfect for students and professionals on the move. Stylish willow green finish with natural silver keyboard deck offers modern aesthetics.
- AI-Powered Productivity Features: Dedicated Microsoft Copilot key provides instant AI assistance. AI Noise Reduction filters background sounds during calls. Full-size keyboard with numeric keypad, HP Imagepad, and dual speakers enhance comfort and usability. Windows 11 Home delivers security and performance for everyday computing.
Live Captions translation
Live Captions was presented as translating spoken audio from more than 40 languages into English. The exact language support and behavior depend on the Windows build and feature rollout.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIs Recall available yet?
Not as a universally enabled Windows feature. Microsoft moved the broadly available Recall preview into Windows Insider testing while it worked on security and trust controls. Microsoft Support documentation currently lists these requirements for enabling Recall:
- A Secured-core Windows 11 AI+ PC.
- An NPU capable of at least 40 TOPS.
- At least 50 GB of free storage.
Even on qualifying hardware, availability depends on the installed Windows version, Insider or production channel, account and regional rollout. Check the Recall settings and Microsoft’s current support guidance for the specific PC before treating it as an available feature.
Rank #3
- Brilliant Display – Stunning 13.8" PixelSense touchscreen[1], with brilliant LCD display[2], unleashes luminous whites, deeper blacks and colors so richly saturated bringing vivid life into every frame – perfect for work, school, streaming and creative tasks.
- Power that lasts all day – With 20 hours of battery life[3], the new Surface Laptop powers through your entire day, so you can create, work and stream from morning to night without reaching for a charger.
- Work at the speed of your ideas – Built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) processors, Surface Laptop delivers fast, AI‑accelerated performance—making it the most powerful Surface laptop for everything from multitasking to demanding workloads.
- The ports you need – Charge on-the-go, transfer data fast, or create the ultimate desktop set up with two USB-C / USB4[4] ports.
- Built-in AI Companion – Work smarter, create freely, and communicate with confidence—Copilot[5] on Windows 11 is always there to help.
Can Copilot+ AI run offline?
For supported experiences, yes: the NPU is intended to run the relevant model or processing step on the PC. Local execution can reduce latency and reduce dependence on cloud processing. “Copilot+” does not mean that every AI function works without an internet connection, however. Some features, updates, account services or larger models can still require network access, and support varies by Windows build and region.
Which laptops support Copilot+?
Copilot+ expanded beyond a single Surface launch. Microsoft has named Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Microsoft Surface as Copilot+ PC makers. The Windows Experience Blog describes support across Qualcomm, Intel and AMD silicon.
A brand name alone is not enough: only configurations with the required NPU qualify. Verify the exact model, processor, memory, storage and Windows feature availability.
Rank #4
- Efficient Performance for Everyday Tasks: Powered by the New Generation Intel N150 Processor and Intel Graphics, this 14-inch laptop delivers smooth performance for browsing, online classes, office tasks, and streaming.
- Key Features:Enjoy faster, more reliable wireless performance with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. Includes all the essential ports you need: USB-C, 2× USB-A, HDMI 1.4b, SD media card reader, headphone/microphone combo jack, and AC Smart Pin.The sleek design blends durability, simplicity, and modern style for everyday productivity.
- Portable 14" HD Display with Anti-Glare Comfort: Features a 14-inch HD LED micro-edge display with 250 nits brightness and anti-glare technology, offering clear and comfortable viewing indoors or on the go. 62.5% sRGB coverage and a 79% screen-to-body ratio provide an immersive visual experience.
- Enhanced Video Calls & Smart Input Features: Stay clear and confident in virtual meetings with the HP True Vision 720p HD camera featuring temporal noise reduction and dual array microphones. Includes a full-size keyboard with a dedicated Microsoft Copilot key and a multi-touch HP Imagepad for effortless navigation.
- Lightweight Design with All-Day Battery Life: Designed for mobility with a sleek Natural Silver chassis weighing just 3.24 lbs. Enjoy up to 11.5 hours of video playback or 7.5 hours of wireless streaming, making it ideal for school, travel, and everyday use
| What to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Exact model and NPU rating | Two laptops from the same manufacturer may not meet the Copilot+ threshold. |
| Processor architecture | Application compatibility and driver support can differ between Qualcomm, Intel and AMD configurations. |
| Windows build and region | Features such as Recall may be preview-only, delayed or unavailable in a particular rollout. |
Surface Laptop launch price
Microsoft Devices Blog listed the Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC from a $999 estimated retail price at launch in 2024. That was a launch starting ERP, not a current worldwide price; configurations, retailers and regions can differ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are Copilot+ PCs worth buying?
They make sense when you want
- On-device AI features and lower latency for supported workloads.
- A Windows laptop designed around the newer NPU software stack.
- Access to Copilot+ features as Microsoft and application developers expand Windows Copilot Runtime support.
Consider a conventional Windows PC when you need
- Maximum certainty for older peripherals, drivers or specialized applications.
- A configuration chosen primarily for CPU, GPU, gaming, workstation or upgrade performance rather than NPU features.
- A feature that is still in preview or unavailable in your region.
Checklist before you buy
- Confirm the exact NPU TOPS rating, not merely the words “AI PC.”
- Check the processor architecture against the applications, plug-ins, virtualization tools and drivers you use.
- Verify which Windows 11 build and Copilot+ features are available in your country and on that model.
- Compare memory and SSD capacity; Recall’s current support requirements include 50 GB of free storage.
- Read battery claims with their test method, screen brightness, workload and configuration. Microsoft’s launch claims are not independent market-wide benchmarks.
- Compare display, ports, webcam, speakers, repairability and upgrade options alongside AI specifications.
- Check the actual selling price, warranty and return policy for the configuration you intend to purchase.
What Microsoft’s “most significant change” claim means
In its May 20, 2024 announcement, Microsoft said it had “completely reimagined the entirety of the PC – from silicon to the operating system, the application layer to the cloud – with AI at the center,” calling it “the most significant change to the Windows platform in decades.” The claim accurately describes Microsoft’s platform strategy: a dedicated NPU, local models, Windows features and APIs are being designed together. It should not be read as an independently verified ranking of every Copilot+ computer’s speed or value.
The category is best understood as an evolving Windows hardware-and-software platform. Whether one is worthwhile depends on the exact laptop, the applications you run and whether the Copilot+ feature you want is enabled for your Windows build and region.
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Quick Recap
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