What are Copilot+ PCs? Here’s all the essential information you need.

      As you stroll through a laptop aisle in 2026, the Copilot+ PC branding is prominently featured on most Windows laptops. From Microsoft's own Surface line to other manufacturers like Samsung, HP, and Dell, you'll encounter notebooks adorned with this label, indicating they are optimized for AI. At first glance, the name suggests it pertains to an enhanced version of the Copilot chatbot, which only partially captures its essence.

      A Copilot+ PC is essentially a Windows 11 machine that adheres to Microsoft’s hardware standards for advanced AI functionalities on the device, such as a compatible processor equipped with a dedicated NPU. Additionally, a specific amount of RAM and storage is required, enabling access to Windows features like Recall, Click to Do, and more. Many of these functions utilize the NPU to process data locally, minimizing reliance on cloud resources and enhancing efficiency in the background.

      Since the introduction of the first Copilot+ laptops in June 2024, the badge has seen significant expansion. Initially, only Snapdragon X processors were eligible. Now, current models can also utilize qualifying AMD Ryzen AI and Intel Core Ultra chips, providing customers the option between Arm and traditional x86 Windows systems. Here’s everything you need to know.

      **Luke Larsen / Digital Trends**

      ### What is a Copilot+ PC?

      Copilot+ is Microsoft’s designation for a specific category of Windows 11 AI PCs. A qualifying computer combines a robust NPU with Microsoft’s minimum memory and storage specifications. The Copilot application itself does not necessitate this hardware; a standard Windows 11 PC can still utilize Microsoft Copilot, as it functions via an internet connection. Conversely, Copilot+ systems unlock a distinct set of Windows features tailored for local AI processing.

      It’s also important to note that purchasing a Copilot+ PC does not automatically grant access to a premium Copilot or Microsoft 365 subscription. While many of the built-in Windows features are included with the operating system, certain functionalities and connected services may require an account, internet access, or a separate subscription.

      ### Copilot+ PC Hardware Requirements

      **Component | Minimum Requirement**

      **Processor | Compatible chip or system-on-chip with 40+ TOPS NPU**

      **Memory | 16GB DDR5 or LPDDR5**

      **Storage | 256GB SSD or UFS**

      **Operating System | Windows 11, with current Copilot+ experiences requiring supported updates**

      Currently, Microsoft recognizes the following processors as compatible:

      - AMD Ryzen AI 300 and 400 series

      - Intel Core Ultra 200 and 300 series

      - Qualcomm Snapdragon X series

      Note that a processor labeled under one of those broader categories does not guarantee that every configuration supports every feature. Buyers should check for the Copilot+ PC badge and verify the manufacturer's specifications.

      ### What are TOPS, and Why Do You Need an NPU?

      Copilot+ PCs are centered around AI. However, this was a significant issue with earlier generations of AI PCs, which had NPUs but limited applications. The NPU is a dedicated processor component engineered to efficiently manage AI workloads. While CPUs and GPUs are capable of running AI models, the NPU is specifically designed for continuous tasks like background effects, image analysis, speech processing, and semantic search, without taxing the main processor or graphics hardware.

      Microsoft defines the minimum requirement for the NPU in terms of TOPS, abbreviated from trillion operations per second. A Copilot+ system must have a minimum of 40 TOPS of NPU performance. This figure only pertains to one aspect of the computer; it does not indicate CPU speed or gaming capabilities. Therefore, two systems sharing the same Copilot+ badge can still exhibit vastly different performance.

      ### AI PC Versus Copilot+ PC

      “AI PC” is a broad industry term often used by manufacturers for computers featuring an NPU or hardware designed to enhance AI tasks. Copilot+ PC, on the other hand, is a more precisely defined Microsoft category. While all Copilot+ computers are AI PCs, many marketed as AI PCs fall short of Microsoft’s 40 TOPS requirement or lack access to the complete Copilot+ feature set. For instance, an older Intel Core Ultra laptop that advertises an NPU and AI capabilities might not carry the Copilot+ badge because its NPU does not meet Microsoft’s standards.

      **Luke Larsen / Digital Trends**

      ### Are All Copilot+ PCs Arm Computers?

      No. Initially, the first Copilot+ systems utilized Qualcomm’s Arm-based Snapdragon X processors, which made the category appear closely linked to Windows on Arm. However, since then, Intel and AMD have introduced qualifying x86 chips. Compatibility can vary; while Snapdragon models typically provide strong responsiveness and battery efficiency, Windows 11 employs Microsoft’s Prism emulator to run many x86 and x64 applications lacking native Arm versions.

      ### What AI Features Do Copilot+ PCs Include?

      Microsoft’s list of Copilot+ features has expanded significantly since