A Microsoft Copilot+ PC is a class of Windows 11 computer that meets Microsoft’s hardware criteria, including an NPU rated at more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The label is about the PC’s hardware—not a special version of the Copilot app—and it makes the device eligible for a set of Windows AI experiences. Which features you can use depends on the specific PC, Windows updates, region, language, and sometimes an internet connection or subscription.
What makes a PC a Copilot+ PC?
Microsoft defines Copilot+ PCs as a specialized class of Windows 11 devices with advanced system specifications. Its official materials identify an NPU capable of more than 40 TOPS as the central hardware distinction. An NPU, or neural processing unit, is a processor designed to handle AI workloads.
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Microsoft does not give one universal list of processor brands, memory capacities, or storage sizes for every Copilot+ PC. To confirm whether a particular computer qualifies, check the exact model’s specifications and Microsoft’s current Copilot+ PC requirements and features. Meeting the separate requirements for an individual feature does not by itself make a computer a Copilot+ PC.
The Copilot+ PC category is also different from the Copilot app. Microsoft documents the app separately and says it can be available on new Windows 11 PCs generally; the Copilot+ label refers to qualifying hardware and the experiences associated with it. See Microsoft’s guide to getting started with Copilot on Windows.
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- [This is a Copilot+ PC] — A new AI era begins. Experience enhanced performance and AI capabilities with Copilot+ PC, boosting productivity with security and privacy in mind.
- [Introducing Surface Pro 13” Touchscreen Display] — The most flexible, powerful 2-in-1 laptop and tablet with AI-accelerated Copilot+ experiences. Surface Pro 11th Edition reimagines the laptop.
- [Flexibility at Any Angle] — Use with the detachable Surface Pro Flex Keyboard (sold separately). Shift from tablet to laptop to sketchbook with its unique kickstand.
- [Outstanding Performance] — Snapdragon X Plus (10 core) or Elite (12 core) with powerful NPU, faster than MacBook Air M3[1].
- [All day battery life] — 14 hours of battery life[5], fast charging with 65W PSU via Surface Connect or USB-C.
What features do Copilot+ PCs include?
Microsoft associates Copilot+ PCs with Windows experiences that use on-device AI or, in some cases, cloud services. The available set can differ by device, language, region, and software rollout.
| Feature | What it does | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Recall (preview) | Provides an opt-in timeline and search for content previously shown on the PC, using saved snapshots. | Requires additional hardware, storage, encryption, and Windows Hello security requirements; details below. |
| Click to Do | Recognizes text or images on screen and suggests actions, including actions on Recall snapshots. | Actions vary by device, region, language, and character set; some may require a subscription. |
| Improved Windows Search | Lets users search supported content using natural-language descriptions. | Supports selected languages, content types, and formats. |
| Live Captions with translation | Creates captions for audio and can translate supported speech. | Microsoft states that it translates from more than 40 languages into English and from 27 languages into Simplified Chinese; this is a stated capability, not an independent assessment of translation quality. |
| Windows Studio Effects | Offers camera and audio effects such as background blur, voice focus, eye contact, and automatic framing. | Requires compatible camera hardware for relevant effects; the available effects vary by device. |
| Paint and Photos AI tools | Tools such as Cocreator, Image Creator, and Restyle Image can create or transform images. | Some features use cloud services and require an internet connection. |
| Super resolution | Includes automatic super resolution and Photos super resolution experiences. | Availability varies; check the current feature support for the PC. |
Microsoft’s Copilot+ feature overview and its Copilot+ PC feature information describe the experiences and their qualifications. Feature names and availability may change as Windows updates roll out.
What are the requirements for Recall?
Recall is not an automatic consequence of buying a Copilot+ PC: it is an optional feature with its own requirements. Microsoft Support lists the following for enabling it:
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- [This is a Copilot+ PC] — The fastest, most intelligent Windows PC ever, with built-in AI tools that help you write, summarize, and multitask — all while keeping your data and privacy secure.
- [The Power of a Laptop, the Flexibility of a Tablet] — Surface Pro 12” is a 2-in-1 device that adapts to you. Use it as a tablet for on-the-go tasks, prop it up with the built-in kickstand, or attach the Surface Pro Keyboard (sold separately) to turn it into a full laptop.
- [Incredibly Fast and Intelligent] — Powered by the latest Snapdragon X Plus processor and an AI engine that delivers up to 45 trillion operations per second — for smooth, responsive, and smarter performance.
- [All Day Battery Life] — Up to 16 hours of battery life[1] means you can work, stream, and create wherever the day takes you — without reaching for a charger.
- [Brilliant 12” Touchscreen Display] — The PixelSense display delivers vibrant color and crisp detail in a sleek design — perfect for work, entertainment, or both.
- A Copilot+ PC that meets the Secured-core standard and has a 40 TOPS NPU.
- At least 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, with 50 GB of free storage to enable Recall.
- Device Encryption or BitLocker enabled.
- Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, with at least one biometric sign-in option.
- Microsoft Learn also specifies 8 logical processors.
Microsoft says Recall pauses saving snapshots when free storage falls below 25 GB. These are Recall-specific requirements, not a complete checklist for qualifying as a Copilot+ PC. For the current consumer requirements and controls, consult Microsoft Support’s Recall guide and Microsoft Learn’s Recall management documentation.
How Recall works and what it saves
When enabled, Recall periodically saves snapshots as the content on the active screen changes. It organizes them into a timeline and analyzes them on the device so you can search for text or images using words or descriptions you remember. Microsoft describes this as a way to retrace activity on the PC.
Recall is opt-in: snapshots are not saved until the user agrees to enable the feature. Microsoft says snapshots and related context are encrypted and stored on the local drive, and that snapshots are not shared with Microsoft or third parties. These are Microsoft’s descriptions of how the feature is designed, not an independent security audit.
Rank #3
- Brilliant LCD Display – The 13" PixelSense touchscreen[1], with LCD and enriched HDR[2] tech, unveils crisper whites, darker blacks, and colors so richly saturated bringing vivid life into every frame – perfect for work, school, streaming and creative tasks.
- Up to 15.5hours of battery life[3] - The new Surface Pro is designed for long days, late nights and everything in between.
- Productivity. All Day. Every Day. – Built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus (10 Core) processors, Surface Pro delivers fast, responsive performance with built-in AI acceleration—so you can handle everything from everyday tasks to demanding workloads with ease.
- The ports you need – Charge on-the-go, transfer data fast, or create the ultimate desktop set up with two USB-C / USB4[4] ports.
- Built-in AI Companion – Work smarter, create freely, and communicate with confidence—Copilot[5] on Windows 11 is always there to help.
Users can choose which apps and websites Recall captures, pause or turn off snapshot saving, and delete saved snapshots. Windows Hello with a biometric sign-in option protects access, and Device Encryption or BitLocker must be enabled. Microsoft says Recall is disabled by default on managed devices, where administrators can control whether users may enable it. See the Recall user guide and administrator documentation for details.
Do Copilot+ PC features work offline?
Some do, but the category does not mean every AI feature runs without an internet connection. Microsoft says Recall, selected Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions translation, and super resolution run locally. Image-generation and editing features such as Cocreator and some Paint or Photos tools use cloud services and need internet access. Check the requirements for the specific feature you plan to use; availability can also depend on updates, region, and language.
What to check before buying or upgrading
Compare the actual models and features you care about rather than relying on the Copilot+ label alone. For each candidate, verify:
- Qualification: The manufacturer identifies the exact model as a Copilot+ PC, and its specifications meet Microsoft’s current requirements.
- Feature support: The specific experience you want is available for that device, Windows version, region, and language.
- Recall readiness: The PC meets Recall’s memory, storage, free-space, encryption, and sign-in requirements if Recall matters to you.
- Connectivity and account needs: Determine whether the feature runs locally or requires internet access, an account, or a subscription.
- Hardware dependencies: Check for a compatible camera if you plan to use camera-based Studio Effects.
- Everyday fit: Compare price, battery life, performance, repairability, and workload suitability using evidence for the specific model. Copilot+ status alone does not establish how well a computer performs or how long its battery lasts.
Microsoft warns that Copilot+ experiences vary by device and region and may require updates that continue to roll out. Recall and improved search are optimized for English, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish; supported content and storage are also subject to limitations. Consult Microsoft’s feature and availability overview and the relevant Recall requirements when checking a particular setup.
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