No. A standard Windows 11 PC can use some AI-enabled features, including the Copilot assistant and basic Live Captions. A Copilot+ PC is needed for certain additional experiences that rely on its on-device AI hardware, but it does not guarantee every feature will work: requirements can also depend on the processor, Windows and app versions, and region.
What makes a PC a Copilot+ PC?
Copilot+ PC is a hardware class within Windows 11, not a requirement for every Windows AI feature. Microsoft describes Copilot+ PCs as having a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). That class threshold does not mean every feature has identical requirements or is available on every model.
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Microsoft’s Windows PC buying guide distinguishes Windows 11 PCs, which provide access to Copilot, from Copilot+ PCs, which add experiences that use more powerful on-device AI hardware. Its Surface comparison lists examples such as Recall, Click to Do, improved Windows Search, Cocreator, image tools, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and Automatic Super Resolution. These are examples, not a promise of universal availability across models or regions.
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Recall
Recall is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft labels it a preview experience. Saving snapshots is opt-in; users can pause saving, filter apps and websites, and delete snapshots. Microsoft says snapshots and related information are stored encrypted on the device. See Microsoft’s Recall guidance for current 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.
Recall has substantial feature-specific requirements: a Copilot+ PC meeting the Secured-core standard, a 40-TOPS NPU, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, at least 50 GB of free space to enable it, device encryption or BitLocker, and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security with at least one biometric sign-in option. Snapshot saving pauses automatically if remaining device storage drops below 25 GB. These are Recall requirements, not the definition of every Copilot+ PC.
Click to Do
Click to Do requires a Copilot+ PC or eligible Cloud PC, a 40-TOPS NPU, 16 GB of RAM, eight logical processors, and 256 GB of storage. Opening it from Snipping Tool also requires Snipping Tool version 11.2411.20.0 or later. Microsoft says screen analysis begins only after the user invokes the feature and runs locally. If the user chooses an action such as web search, some content may then be sent onward. Details are in Microsoft’s Click to Do documentation.
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.
Live Captions translation
Basic Live Captions is available on Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, so it does not require a Copilot+ PC. Translation is the hardware-gated enhancement: it requires a Copilot+ PC running 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 for feature details.
Paint and Snipping Tool features
Microsoft documents specific Copilot+ PC capabilities in Paint and Snipping Tool, but individual tools can have narrower limits. For example, Paint’s Generative Fill is limited to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs according to Microsoft’s current support guidance. Check the exact feature’s requirements in Paint support and Snipping Tool support before choosing a device.
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.
Standard Windows 11 PC vs. Copilot+ PC
| What you want to use | Standard Windows 11 PC | Copilot+ PC |
|---|---|---|
| Copilot assistant | Microsoft’s consumer guide describes this as available on Windows 11 PCs. | Available as part of the Windows 11 PC experience. |
| Recall | Not supported; it is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. | Supported only if the device and setup meet Recall’s additional requirements. |
| Click to Do | Not supported on ordinary PC hardware; an eligible Cloud PC is an alternative. | Supported when feature-specific hardware, storage, and software requirements are met. |
| Live Captions | Basic captions are available with Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. | Translation is available on Copilot+ PCs with Windows 11 version 24H2 or later. |
| Some Paint and Snipping Tool AI capabilities | Availability depends on the individual feature; Copilot+ capabilities require the specified hardware. | Some features are available, but processor-family and app-version restrictions may still apply. |
How to check whether a Copilot+ PC is right for you
- Name the feature first. Check whether you want Copilot, Recall, Click to Do, Live Captions translation, or a particular Paint or Snipping Tool capability. “Windows AI” is not one universal compatibility category.
- Confirm the PC class. Look for the model to be explicitly identified as a Copilot+ PC; do not infer eligibility from a Windows 11 label alone.
- Check the exact processor and NPU. Some features need Copilot+ class hardware, while others can be limited to a processor family. Microsoft’s Paint guidance, for example, restricts Generative Fill to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs.
- Compare memory and storage with the feature requirements. Recall and Click to Do have their own minimums; do not assume that meeting the Copilot+ class threshold alone meets them.
- Verify Windows, app, and regional availability. A feature may require a particular Windows release or app version, and Microsoft’s feature lists do not establish availability for every device or region.
- Weigh the upgrade against your actual use. If you only need Copilot or basic Live Captions, a standard Windows 11 PC may be sufficient. A Copilot+ PC is relevant when a specific feature you want requires it; the available information does not establish a general performance or value advantage for all users.
Microsoft lists Surface Laptop 7th Edition or later and qualifying Surface Pro models as Copilot+ examples, but device lineups change. Confirm the current model specification and the feature’s support page before buying.
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
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