What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To determine whether a Windows computer is a Copilot+ PC, verify its exact processor and Neural Processing Unit (NPU), not just a marketing label or Windows 11 compatibility result. Microsoft defines Copilot+ hardware around an NPU capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Microsoft’s published Recall requirements also specify 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage capacity. Use Windows settings to identify the precise configuration, Task Manager to see whether Windows detects an NPU, and current manufacturer or Microsoft specifications to confirm the NPU’s rated performance.
What makes a PC a Copilot+ PC?
Microsoft describes Copilot+ PCs as a class of Windows 11 hardware powered by a high-performance NPU. The key hardware test is an NPU rated at more than 40 TOPS. TOPS means trillion operations per second; it is a capability rating for the AI accelerator, not a measurement of general CPU speed, graphics performance, battery life or the quality of a particular feature.
A computer can run Windows 11, include the words “AI PC” in its product description, or show an NPU in Windows and still fail to meet the Copilot+ threshold. The processor family, exact chip model, memory, storage and device configuration all matter. Individual Copilot+ experiences can impose additional operating-system, driver, display, game, regional or setup requirements.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCopilot+ requirements at a glance
| Item | Requirement or signal | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| NPU | More than 40 TOPS | The exact processor or NPU specification from the manufacturer or current Microsoft documentation |
| Windows edition | Windows 11 device | Installed Windows version and edition in Settings |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | Installed memory in Settings > System > About |
| Storage | 256 GB capacity | Drive capacity in Settings > System > Storage or File Explorer |
| Feature support | Varies by feature | The requirements page for the specific experience, such as Auto SR or Recall |
The 16 GB and 256 GB figures come from Microsoft’s published Recall requirements, which identify baseline Copilot+ PC hardware specifications. Recall has additional setup and free-space conditions; meeting the capacity figures alone does not guarantee that Recall is configured or available.
#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.
How to check your PC step by step
1. Record the complete model and processor
- Open Settings.
- Choose System, then About.
- Write down the device model and the full processor designation exactly as Windows displays it.
Do not stop at a generic description such as “AI PC,” “neural processor,” or “Core Ultra.” The suffixes, generation and precise SKU can identify a different NPU capability, memory arrangement or platform. If the About page shows only a shortened name, check the computer maker’s support utility, service tag page, original invoice or firmware information to obtain the complete model.
2. Check installed RAM
Remain on Settings > System > About and find Installed RAM. A Copilot+ configuration should have at least 16 GB under the baseline figures Microsoft publishes for Recall. Check the installed amount rather than the maximum supported by the motherboard or the amount advertised for a different configuration of the same model.
Some systems reserve a portion of memory for integrated graphics or other hardware, so the usable figure shown in a particular application can be lower than installed RAM. That does not change the installed-capacity check, but it can affect whether an individual feature runs comfortably. If a product page lists several memory options, match the option actually fitted to your machine.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →3. Check storage capacity and available space
Open Settings > System > Storage to see the capacity and current usage of the Windows drive. You can also open File Explorer, select This PC, and inspect the drive properties.
The published 256 GB figure is storage capacity, not the amount of free space remaining after Windows, recovery partitions and applications are installed. Feature-specific pages can require additional free space and setup conditions. A 256 GB drive that is nearly full may satisfy the capacity figure while still preventing a feature from completing its setup.
4. Look for an NPU in Task Manager
- Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Open the Performance tab.
- Look for an NPU entry alongside CPU, memory, disk and GPU entries.
Microsoft documents Task Manager as a way to display NPU resource usage on systems equipped with an NPU. Seeing an NPU entry is useful evidence that Windows detects the accelerator. It is not proof that the accelerator exceeds 40 TOPS: the cited Task Manager guidance does not say that it reports the NPU’s TOPS rating or certifies Copilot+ status.
If no NPU appears, install the latest device and chipset drivers offered for your exact model, reboot and check again. A missing entry can reflect an unsupported Windows build, an unavailable driver or firmware setting, or hardware without an NPU. Driver troubleshooting cannot add an NPU to a processor that was not designed with one.
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.
5. Verify the exact NPU rating
Search the computer maker’s specification page for the full processor model, then compare it with Microsoft’s current Copilot+ documentation. Microsoft’s developer material gives processor-family examples such as Snapdragon X, AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V series. These examples are useful leads, not blanket approval for every chip in a family or every laptop using that family.
Confirm all of the following before treating the result as positive:
- The processor name and suffix match your installed chip exactly.
- The manufacturer identifies an NPU for that chip or platform.
- The published NPU rating is more than 40 TOPS, rather than a CPU, GPU or combined-system figure.
- The tested specification applies to your device configuration and region.
When two specifications use different labels, check what is being measured. “AI performance,” “up to” figures and total platform performance are not automatically equivalent to the NPU-only threshold Microsoft describes. If the manufacturer does not publish an NPU TOPS value, the safest result is “not confirmed” until an authoritative specification identifies it.
6. Confirm that Windows 11 is installed
Go to Settings > System > About and review Windows specifications. Copilot+ PCs are Windows 11 devices, so a computer running an older Windows release needs an operating-system upgrade before Copilot+ experiences can be considered.
Microsoft’s PC Health Check utility assesses whether a computer is eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade. Passing that check does not, by itself, certify Copilot+ eligibility. Windows 11 has broader hardware requirements than the Copilot+ NPU threshold, and a compatible Windows 11 computer can lack a sufficiently capable NPU.
Does your PC have a 40 TOPS NPU?
There is no dependable Windows screen in the documented checklist that converts an NPU entry into a Copilot+ certification. Task Manager can show activity, but activity percentage is not a TOPS rating. The practical method is to identify the exact processor, locate its NPU specification in current official documentation, and ensure the rating is above 40 TOPS.
Be careful with family-level assumptions. A manufacturer may release several chips under one family name, and a laptop maker may pair the processor with different memory, firmware or display configurations. “Snapdragon X,” “Ryzen AI 300” or “Core Ultra 200V” indicates a processor family Microsoft discusses, but it does not establish that every SKU or every configuration qualifies. Record the full model, including numbers and letters, before comparing specifications.
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.
How much RAM and storage does a Copilot+ PC need?
Microsoft’s Recall requirements list 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage capacity alongside a Copilot+ PC and a 40 TOPS NPU. Treat these as baseline capacity checks, not a complete guarantee for every Copilot+ experience.
- RAM: Check installed memory, not the system’s upgrade limit. A machine advertised as “up to 32 GB” may ship with 8 GB or 16 GB.
- Storage: Check the physical capacity of the system drive and the free space available for Windows and the feature. Capacity and free space are different measurements.
- Configuration: If a model has soldered memory or a fixed drive, the shipped configuration is the one that matters; an upgrade path cannot substitute for checking the actual unit.
Recall’s page includes separate setup and free-space conditions. Therefore, a system can meet the 16 GB and 256 GB figures yet require additional preparation before that feature works.
Why passing a Windows 11 check is not enough
Windows 11 eligibility and Copilot+ eligibility answer different questions. PC Health Check is intended to assess whether a computer can upgrade to Windows 11. Copilot+ adds a high-performance NPU requirement and the published memory and storage baseline. The two tests overlap on the operating system but not on the complete hardware criteria.
Use PC Health Check as an operating-system compatibility step only. Use the processor and NPU verification described above for Copilot+ status. Do not interpret a green Windows 11 result as evidence that Recall, on-device image generation, enhanced video processing or another AI experience will be available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check the requirements of the feature you actually want
A Copilot+ label does not guarantee that every feature works on every device. Microsoft’s Auto SR documentation, for example, specifies supported device and platform combinations, Windows version, display, driver and game conditions. A feature may also be limited by its rollout status, language or region.
Recommended Free Tools
Before troubleshooting an individual experience, read its current Microsoft requirements page and verify:
- Supported processor, NPU or graphics platform
- Required Windows 11 version and updates
- Display resolution, refresh or connection requirements
- Driver version and firmware requirements
- Application or game version and supported titles
- Language, account, region or staged-availability restrictions
- Required free storage or setup steps
For Recall in particular, the 40 TOPS NPU, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB capacity figures are only the hardware portion of the published requirements. Complete the feature’s setup and free-space checks separately.
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
Comparing two PCs for Copilot+ capability
When deciding between computers, compare the actual configurations rather than the marketing names. Use this order:
- Copy the exact processor model for each computer.
- Find the NPU TOPS rating for each exact SKU.
- Confirm that each has at least 16 GB installed RAM and 256 GB storage capacity under the published baseline.
- Check that each ships with Windows 11 or supports the required Windows 11 installation.
- Review the requirements of the AI feature you plan to use.
| Comparison point | Why it matters | Evidence to use |
|---|---|---|
| Exact processor SKU | Separates chips within the same marketing family | Settings > System > About and the manufacturer’s specification |
| NPU rating | Determines whether the central more-than-40-TOPS threshold is met | Official processor or device specification |
| Installed RAM | Microsoft’s Recall baseline lists 16 GB | Windows Installed RAM value |
| Storage capacity | Microsoft’s Recall baseline lists 256 GB | Windows Storage or drive properties |
| Feature conditions | Features can add driver, display, software or regional limits | The feature’s current Microsoft requirements page |
Troubleshooting uncertain or conflicting results
“My listing says AI PC, but I cannot find a TOPS value.”
“AI PC” is a broad marketing description. Recheck the full processor SKU and look for an NPU-specific rating in the manufacturer’s technical documentation. Until an authoritative source confirms more than 40 TOPS, classify the Copilot+ result as unverified.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →“Task Manager shows an NPU, so why is the PC not confirmed?”
NPU detection proves that Windows sees an accelerator; it does not reveal whether the accelerator crosses Microsoft’s threshold. Use the exact processor specification for the performance check.
“The processor family is listed by Microsoft, but my model still seems unclear.”
Family names are examples, not a substitute for SKU verification. Check the number and suffix, then confirm that the manufacturer’s specification applies to the installed configuration rather than to a higher-tier member of the family.
“The computer passes PC Health Check but a Copilot+ feature is unavailable.”
That outcome is possible because PC Health Check addresses Windows 11 upgrade eligibility. Recheck the NPU rating, Windows version, drivers, display and the specific feature’s requirements.
“The PC meets the hardware figures but the feature still fails.”
Check free space, required updates, firmware, drivers, supported applications, language and region. Feature documentation can impose conditions beyond the baseline hardware capacities.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11If the PC does not meet the requirements
Software cannot add a qualifying NPU to an existing processor. If the exact specification confirms an NPU below the threshold, or no NPU at all, the durable route is a computer sold with an eligible Copilot+ configuration. Verify the complete processor, NPU rating, RAM and storage on the manufacturer’s page before buying; do not rely solely on a “Windows 11” or “AI PC” badge.
If your current computer is close to the baseline, adding RAM or replacing a drive may improve ordinary Windows performance, but those upgrades do not create the required NPU capability. They also do not guarantee support for a feature with separate platform or driver conditions.
A quick decision flow
- Windows 11 installed? If no, address the operating-system requirement first.
- Exact processor identified? If no, use Settings > System > About and obtain the complete SKU.
- NPU detected? Check Task Manager’s Performance tab, understanding that detection is not a TOPS measurement.
- NPU rated above 40 TOPS? Confirm with current official processor or device specifications.
- At least 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage capacity? Verify the installed configuration, not a product line’s maximum options.
- Feature-specific requirements satisfied? Check the current page for the particular AI experience, including drivers, display, software, free space and region.
A computer that passes every applicable step is a well-supported Copilot+ candidate. If any step remains unresolved, use the exact model and configuration to obtain confirmation from the manufacturer or Microsoft rather than inferring eligibility from a generic label.
Quick Recap
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.
