Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteNo. You can use some AI-enabled features on a standard Windows 11 PC. A Copilot+ PC is a hardware tier that unlocks additional experiences designed to use its more powerful on-device AI hardware. Whether you need one depends on the specific feature you want—not on whether you want to use Windows AI at all.
What makes a PC a Copilot+ PC?
Microsoft describes Copilot+ PCs as Windows PCs with an NPU capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). That hardware threshold defines the class; it does not mean every feature uses the same requirement or works on every Copilot+ model. Microsoft’s buying guide distinguishes Windows 11 PCs, which offer access to the Copilot assistant, from Copilot+ PCs, which add hardware-dependent experiences. Microsoft’s computer buying guide and its Copilot+ PC comparison describe that distinction.
Microsoft lists Recall, Click to Do, improved Windows Search, Cocreator, image tools, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions and Automatic Super Resolution among Copilot+ PC experiences. These are examples, not a promise that every feature is available on every model, Windows release or in every region. Individual features can have narrower processor, software or system requirements.
Which Windows AI features require Copilot+ hardware?
Recall
Recall is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, according to Microsoft, and has additional security and storage requirements. It is labeled as a preview. Saving snapshots is opt-in: you can pause saving, filter apps and websites, or delete snapshots. Microsoft says snapshots and related information are encrypted on the device. See Microsoft’s Recall requirements and controls.
#1 Best Overall
- Step Up to Next-Level Performance - Redefine your laptop experience with the Acer Aspire 16 AI. Powered by the Snapdragon X X1-26-100, a premium integrated GPU with up to 1.7 TFLOPs and NPU with 45 TOPs for optimized processing across CPU, GPU, and NPU workloads and delivering best-in-class performance and power efficiency.
- New AI Superpowers - Discover the power of Recall (preview), improved Windows search, and Click to Do (preview) on Copilot+ PCs. Effortlessly locate past content, perform natural searches, and interact with text and images – all while ensuring your data remains private and you stay productive*.
- Built on Brilliant AI Foundations - The Acer Aspire 16 AI harnesses the industry-leading Qualcomm AI Engine with an integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, delivering transformative experiences for creativity, video conferencing, security, and productivity assistants. The Qualcomm AI Engine supports Windows Studio Effects and many other AI-accelerated applications and experiences, to make possibilities endless.
- Screens that Speak to Your Senses - Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant visuals. Enjoy stunning clarity, rich 100% sRGB colors, and sharp detail on the 16" 120Hz WUXGA ultra-high-resolution touchscreen display – acting as a panoramic playground for entertainment, artistic expression, and engaging AI experiences that dazzle the eye.
- Streamline Your Settings with AcerSense - Intelligent Acer AI solutions are at your fingertips. Effortlessly get answers, streamline settings, optimize your video presence, and elevate communication. Experience intuitive AI that’s easy to use and seamlessly enhances your productivity.
Click to Do
Click to Do requires a Copilot+ PC or an eligible Cloud PC, along with listed hardware minimums. Microsoft says screen analysis starts only when you invoke the feature and runs locally. If you choose an action such as web search, some content may then be sent onward for that action. Its requirements include a 40-TOPS NPU, 16 GB RAM, eight logical processors and 256 GB storage. To launch it from Snipping Tool, the app must be version 11.2411.20.0 or later. Details are in Microsoft’s Click to Do documentation.
Live Captions translation
The basic Live Captions accessibility feature is available on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later; you do not need a Copilot+ PC for that basic captioning. Translation is a separate capability: Microsoft requires a Copilot+ PC and Windows 11 version 24H2 or later. Microsoft says translation supports over 40 source languages into English and 27 into Simplified Chinese. See Microsoft’s Live Captions guidance.
Rank #2
- RELIABLE PERFORMANCE FOR EVERYDAY WORK: The Intel N150 processor works with 8GB LPDDR5 memory and 128GB UFS 2.2 storage to support web browsing, email, document editing, online classes, video streaming, and routine multitasking. Integrated Intel Graphics provides dependable visuals for business, education, and everyday home use.
- CLEAR 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: The 1920x1080 anti-glare display offers a spacious view for documents, presentations, research, online learning, and entertainment. Its 250-nit brightness, 88% active-area ratio, and TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light software solution support comfortable viewing during extended work or study sessions.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE DESIGN: Starting at only 3.42 lbs and measuring 0.70 inches thin, this Arctic Grey Lenovo laptop travels easily between home, school, and the office. MIL-STD-810H testing adds everyday durability, while the full-size keyboard includes a dedicated Copilot key for convenient access to AI assistance.
- MODERN CONNECTIVITY AND PRIVACY: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 provide reliable connections for networks and accessories. Two USB-A ports, USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack support displays and peripherals, while the 720p camera includes a physical privacy shutter.
- READY FOR BUSINESS AND EDUCATION: Windows 11 Home and Microsoft 365 Personal provide familiar tools for documents, communication, coursework, and daily productivity. A 47Wh battery supports mobile workflows, while the included 65W power adapter enables efficient charging. Dolby Audio stereo speakers and dual-array microphones enhance online meetings and classes.
Paint and Snipping Tool features
Microsoft documents specific Copilot+ capabilities in Paint and Snipping Tool, but eligibility can be narrower than the Copilot+ label alone suggests. For example, Paint’s Generative Fill is limited to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs in Microsoft’s current support guidance. Check the requirements for the exact app feature before choosing a device: Snipping Tool and Paint.
Standard Windows 11 PC vs. Copilot+ PC
| What you want to do | Standard Windows 11 PC | Copilot+ PC or other condition |
|---|---|---|
| Use the Copilot assistant | Microsoft’s buying guide says Windows 11 PCs offer access to Copilot. | A Copilot+ PC is not stated as a general requirement. |
| Use basic Live Captions | Available on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later. | Not required for basic captions. |
| Translate Live Captions | Not available on a standard PC under the stated requirements. | Copilot+ PC and Windows 11 version 24H2 or later. |
| Use Recall | Not available. | Copilot+ PC, plus Recall’s feature-specific requirements. |
| Use Click to Do | Not available under the stated PC requirements. | Copilot+ PC or eligible Cloud PC, plus its hardware and app requirements. |
| Use selected Paint or Snipping Tool AI capabilities | Availability depends on the specific capability. | Some require Copilot+ hardware; certain features have additional processor or app-version limits. |
Check requirements before buying
Start with the feature, not the Copilot+ badge. Microsoft’s examples include Surface Laptop 7th Edition or later and qualifying Surface Pro models, but product lineups change; confirm the specific model and feature eligibility with the manufacturer before buying.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- It's possible on your Intel AI PC - Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor (Series 2), the Aspire 14 Al brings new AI experiences in productivity, creativity and security through a combination of CPU, GPU and NPU. This combo delivers the speed and responsiveness to handle any task with ease -along with all-day battery life of up to 22 hours and smooth multitasking performance. (Battery life was measured under specific test settings pursuant to video playback scenarios)
- New AI Superpowers - Discover the power of Recall (preview), improved Windows search, and Click to Do (preview) on Copilot plus PCs. Effortlessly locate past content, perform natural searches, and interact with text and images – all while ensuring your data remains private and you stay productive. ( Copilot plus PC experiences vary by device and market and may require updates continuing to roll out through 2025; Recall and Click to Do will be coming to European Economic Area later in 2025; timing varies. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs)
- Indulge Your Eyes - Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant detail with a breathtaking 14" WUXGA 1920 x 1200 ultra high-resolution display. This expansive, panoramic screen is your canvas for entertainment, artistic creativity, and captivating AI experiences that will leave you in awe.
- Smart and Effortless AI - Intelligent AI solutions are at your fingertips with AcerSense. Streamline settings, optimize your video presence, and elevate communication - all with intuitive AI that’s easy to use and enhances productivity seamlessly. Just press the AcerSense key on the backlit keyboard for instant access and experience the magic of AI
- Style and Substance - The Aspire 14 Al boasts a sleek, durable, and lightweight aluminum chassis, with an ultra-modern design and a 180° lie-flat hinge for versatile and convenient use on the go. Ideal for work, study, or creative pursuits wherever you are.
- Name the feature. Check whether the feature is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs or has a broader Windows 11 version requirement.
- Verify the exact model. Confirm it is explicitly sold as a Copilot+ PC, then check the processor family for restrictions such as Paint’s Snapdragon limitation.
- Check memory, storage and security. Apply only the requirements for the feature you intend to use. Recall, for example, has additional requirements beyond the Copilot+ class definition.
- Confirm software and region. Check the required Windows release and app version, and whether the experience is available where you live.
Recall’s additional requirements
Microsoft lists these requirements for Recall: a Copilot+ PC meeting the Secured-core standard; a 40-TOPS NPU; 16 GB RAM; 256 GB storage; at least 50 GB of free space to enable the feature; device encryption or BitLocker; and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security with at least one biometric sign-in option. Snapshot saving pauses automatically when remaining device storage falls below 25 GB. These are Recall-specific conditions, not a universal definition of every Copilot+ PC. See Microsoft’s Recall support page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is a Copilot+ PC worth it for AI?
It may be the right choice if you specifically want Copilot+ experiences such as Recall or Click to Do, or a particular hardware-dependent app feature. If your needs are limited to the Copilot assistant or basic Live Captions, Microsoft’s stated requirements do not make Copilot+ hardware necessary. Compare the features you will actually use, the exact model’s compatibility, and the device’s total cost; Microsoft’s feature lists do not establish a general performance or value advantage for every buyer.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 2K IPS TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY - 1920 x 1200 resolution delivers incredible detail, wide-viewing angles, and lifelike color reproduction
- AMD RYZEN AI 5 430 PROCESSOR - Unlock powerful AI-driven experiences with a Copilot+ PC powered by an AMD Ryzen AI processor designed to enhance creativity, simplify and streamline your day, and give you valuable time back to do more
- ENJOY UP TO 19 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES OF BATTERY LIFE - HP Fast Charge restores battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes
- AMD RADEON 840M GRAPHICS - Built in for thrilling gaming performance, high resolution display support and hardware accelerated encoding with or without a discrete graphics card
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 512 GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 16 GB DDR5 RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
