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A Copilot+ PC is a Windows 11 computer that meets Microsoft’s hardware definition for its Copilot+ category. The decisive requirement is a neural processing unit (NPU) rated at 40+ TOPS, alongside Microsoft’s published consumer baseline of 16 GB of RAM, a 256 GB SSD and Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer. The label identifies a class of hardware; it does not mean that every Windows AI feature works identically on every model.
What is a Copilot+ PC?
Copilot+ PC is Microsoft’s name for Windows 11 computers built with a high-performance NPU for AI workloads. Microsoft describes the NPU as hardware intended to handle tasks such as real-time translation and image generation efficiently. All Copilot+ PCs run Windows 11, but not all Windows 11 PCs are Copilot+ PCs.
The distinction matters because a standard Windows 11 computer may offer the cloud-based Copilot assistant or selected Windows AI functions without meeting the Copilot+ specification. Conversely, a Copilot+ badge confirms that a device belongs to the qualifying category, not that every feature is available in every country, language or processor configuration.
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What the name does—and does not—promise
- It promises a qualifying NPU class, subject to Microsoft’s current requirements.
- It does not describe the computer’s overall CPU speed, graphics performance, display quality or battery life.
- It does not guarantee that every Copilot+ feature is enabled on first boot.
- It does not make a laptop interchangeable with every other Copilot+ model; processor family, memory, storage, camera, software build, account and region can change the experience.
How many TOPS does a Copilot+ PC need?
The defining threshold is an NPU capable of at least 40 TOPS. TOPS means “trillions of operations per second.” It is a rating for the NPU’s AI-processing capability, not a measurement of the whole computer’s speed.
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- 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.
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A higher TOPS figure alone does not tell you how fast ordinary applications open, how well games run or how long a battery lasts. Those outcomes also depend on the CPU, GPU, cooling system, memory, storage and software. Use the 40-TOPS figure to check category eligibility, then evaluate the rest of the specification for your workload.
Microsoft’s published consumer baseline
| Requirement | Published baseline | What to verify before purchase |
|---|---|---|
| NPU | 40+ TOPS | The exact processor and SKU, not just an “AI PC” or “Copilot key” description. |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | Whether the listed capacity is installed, upgradeable and shared with integrated graphics. |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD | Usable free space after Windows and recovery partitions. |
| Operating system | Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer | The installed build and whether updates are available for your region and edition. |
These are Microsoft’s category-level consumer specifications. Individual features can add requirements, so verify the exact configuration and current Microsoft documentation rather than relying on the badge alone.
Can an existing Windows 11 PC run Copilot+ features?
Usually, no: a normal Windows 11 update cannot turn a machine without a qualifying NPU into a Copilot+ PC. Some Windows AI capabilities are available on broader Windows 11 hardware, and some features use cloud services, but the Copilot+ category depends on the underlying hardware.
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Check your computer’s processor documentation for an NPU rating. A Copilot key, a marketing label such as “AI PC” and the presence of the Copilot app are not proof of 40+ TOPS. Also check RAM, SSD capacity and Windows 11 24H2 or newer.
A practical eligibility check
- Open Settings and choose System, then About to record the processor model, installed RAM and Windows edition.
- In Settings > Windows Update, install available updates and confirm that the system is on Windows 11 version 24H2 or later.
- Look up the processor model in the manufacturer’s specification sheet and confirm the NPU’s TOPS rating.
- Check Settings > System > Storage for SSD capacity and available space.
- For a specific feature, read its requirements separately; camera, security hardware, language, account and internet conditions may apply.
If the NPU is below 40 TOPS or absent, the computer may still run Windows 11 and ordinary Copilot features, but it is not a Copilot+ PC under Microsoft’s definition.
Which computers qualify?
Microsoft’s developer guidance names examples from several manufacturers, including Surface Laptop and Surface Pro Copilot+ PCs, HP OmniBook X 14, Dell Latitude 7455, XPS 13 and Inspiron 14, Acer Swift 14 AI, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s, Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, and ASUS Vivobook S 15 and ProArt PZ13. It also identifies systems using AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V series silicon.
This is an example list, not a guarantee that every configuration or later revision qualifies. A product family can contain models with different processors, RAM, storage or regional software. Confirm the exact model number and NPU specification on the listing or manufacturer’s technical sheet.
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- 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.
What AI features do Copilot+ PCs have?
Microsoft’s current Windows requirements documentation lists a group of device-integrated AI features. Availability can vary by processor family, device, Windows update, language, region, account and internet connection.
Recall
Recall creates an explorable timeline that helps you locate things you previously viewed by searching remembered clues. It is a preview feature with unusually specific security and storage requirements.
- Snapshot saving is off until you opt in. Microsoft states: "By default, saving snapshots for Recall aren’t enabled."
- To enable it, a qualifying secured-core Copilot+ PC needs a 40-TOPS NPU, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage and at least 50 GB of free space.
- Device encryption or BitLocker must be enabled.
- Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security with a biometric option is required.
- Saving pauses when free space falls below 25 GB.
- You can pause saving, delete snapshots, turn saving off and control which apps or websites are included.
Microsoft says saved snapshots and the derived context are encrypted locally and are not shared with Microsoft or third parties. Recall is optimized for selected languages, and content and storage limits apply, so the experience can differ by language and device.
Live Captions translation
On supported Copilot+ PCs, Live Captions can translate video and audio subtitles into English from more than 40 languages. Microsoft also documents translation into Simplified Chinese from 27 languages. These are directional language figures, not a promise that every pair of the listed languages translates directly into every other language.
Click to Do
Click to Do presents contextual actions when you select text or an image. The available actions vary by device, region, language and character set. Microsoft notes that some actions require a subscription, so the menu you see may not match a demonstration on another computer.
Improved Windows search
AI-assisted Windows search can find specified text, image and document formats using natural descriptions. Microsoft optimizes the feature for a limited set of languages. File type support and language availability therefore matter when deciding whether it will help with your own archive.
Paint and Photos tools
Microsoft lists tools such as Cocreator and additional image editing or generation functions in Paint and Photos. Some functions require a Microsoft account and internet access to cloud services. Processor support can also differ by feature, so the presence of the app does not guarantee that every tool is enabled.
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- 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)
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Windows Studio Effects
Studio Effects can provide automatic framing, background effects, standard eye contact and voice focus during calls. A built-in or connected camera is required for camera effects.
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|---|---|
| Several basic effects | Windows 11 device with an NPU rated at 10+ TOPS; a camera is required for camera-based options. |
| Additional effects | Limited to Snapdragon X Series Copilot+ PCs, according to Microsoft’s support documentation. |
Some effects can change performance or battery consumption, and the options shown can vary by device. Importantly, you do not need a Copilot+ PC for every Studio Effect: several basic effects work below the 40-TOPS Copilot+ threshold.
Automatic super resolution
Automatic super resolution is not a universal enhancement for every game. Microsoft documents support for a curated set of games on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X Series processors. Check the supported-game list and processor requirement before treating it as a gaming feature.
What are the privacy and security implications?
The largest privacy question concerns Recall because it can retain snapshots of activity. Saving is opt-in rather than automatic. After enabling it, you can pause capture, delete individual or all snapshots, turn saving off and exclude selected applications or websites.
Recall’s prerequisites are intended to protect access: device encryption or BitLocker and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security with a biometric option must be in place. Microsoft says snapshots and derived context remain encrypted on the PC and are not shared with Microsoft or third parties. You should still treat the snapshot store as sensitive local data: use a strong sign-in method, keep Windows updated and review exclusions before enabling capture on a work or shared computer.
How should you compare Copilot+ PCs?
Start with the feature you actually want, then compare the hardware and software conditions that feature needs. A larger TOPS number is not a substitute for checking compatibility.
| Comparison axis | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| NPU and processor | Is the NPU 40+ TOPS, and which processor family is used? |
| Memory and SSD | Does the configuration meet 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, with enough free space for your intended features? |
| Feature support | Does the exact model support Recall, desired Studio Effects, translation, image tools or super resolution? |
| Camera | Is there a suitable built-in camera for Studio Effects? |
| Language and region | Are your language, character set and country supported? |
| Accounts and connectivity | Will the feature require a Microsoft account, subscription or internet access? |
| Security | Can the device provide encryption, biometric Windows Hello and the secured-core requirements needed by Recall? |
Microsoft’s published material does not establish an independent, model-by-model comparison of battery life, price or productivity. Evaluate those as normal laptop criteria instead of inferring them from the Copilot+ label.
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- 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
Common misunderstandings and fixes
"Any laptop with Copilot is a Copilot+ PC"
A Copilot key or Copilot application does not establish a 40+ TOPS NPU. Verify the processor and the full specification.
"40 TOPS measures total computer performance"
TOPS describes NPU AI throughput. Compare CPU, GPU, cooling, memory and storage separately for general performance.
"Every Copilot+ feature works everywhere"
Feature availability can depend on processor family, Windows build, language, region, account and internet access. Read the requirement for the individual feature.
"Recall automatically records everything"
Snapshot saving is disabled by default. It starts only after you opt in and can be paused, limited or disabled.
"Studio Effects require Copilot+ hardware"
Several basic effects work on Windows 11 devices with a 10+ TOPS NPU, while some additional effects require Snapdragon X Series Copilot+ hardware.
Buying checklist
- Confirm the exact processor model and a 40+ TOPS NPU rating.
- Confirm at least 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD.
- Confirm Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer, or that the device can receive it.
- Identify the specific AI features you need and check their separate requirements.
- Check language, region and character-set support for translation, search and Click to Do.
- Check whether an account, subscription or internet connection is required.
- For Studio Effects, verify the camera and the effects supported by that processor.
- For Recall, verify 50 GB free space, encryption, biometric Windows Hello and secured-core status; keep at least 25 GB free to avoid automatic pausing.
- Compare ordinary laptop factors—battery, display, ports, keyboard, weight, price and application compatibility—independently of the Copilot+ badge.
The bottom line
Copilot+ PC is a hardware category within Windows 11, defined primarily by a 40+ TOPS NPU and supported by Microsoft’s 16 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD and Windows 11 24H2-or-newer baseline. It enables a growing set of local and cloud-assisted AI features, but the exact experience depends on the processor, software version, language, region, account, connectivity and security configuration. Check the feature you care about and the exact SKU rather than buying on the label alone.
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