If you are searching for what is Copilot Plus PC, the answer is that it’s Microsoft’s new generation of Windows computers designed with artificial intelligence built directly into the hardware. Unlike traditional laptops, Copilot+ PCs feature specialized chips called Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that can handle AI tasks quickly, securely, and without always needing the cloud.
Launched in 2024, these devices mark a turning point in personal computing. They combine the processing power of CPUs and GPUs with the intelligence of NPUs, enabling features like instant content creation, digital memory recall, and real-time translation. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what is Copilot Plus PC, how it works, its key features, and why it could define the next decade of Windows devices.
What is Copilot Plus PC?
To put it clearly, what is Copilot Plus PC? It is a new category of Windows PCs created by Microsoft to prioritize artificial intelligence at the hardware level. Traditional PCs rely mostly on CPUs and GPUs for computing. Copilot+ PCs, however, add a third component—the NPU—which is specifically built to accelerate AI and machine learning tasks on-device.
This new category was announced by Microsoft in May 2024. It represents a shift from simply “using AI in software” to “building AI into the system architecture.” Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD are central to the vision, producing processors capable of handling trillions of AI operations per second. With this foundation, Microsoft aims to make Copilot+ PCs the standard Windows devices of the future, replacing conventional PCs with smarter, faster, and more intuitive machines.
Why Are Copilot+ PCs Different From Regular PCs?
Understanding what is Copilot Plus PC also means understanding what sets it apart from the laptops you might already own. The difference comes down to how computing resources are used.
- Regular PCs depend on CPU and GPU processing power, often sending AI tasks to the cloud because they lack specialized hardware.
- Copilot+ PCs add a dedicated NPU, enabling AI tasks like image generation, speech recognition, and data recall to happen locally.
This distinction brings several advantages:
- Faster speed – AI processes run in real time without waiting for cloud servers.
- Improved privacy – Data remains on your device instead of being sent online.
- Better efficiency – The NPU reduces strain on the CPU and GPU, optimizing performance and battery life.
- AI-native design – These devices are not retrofitted with AI; they are built around it.
So when asking what is Copilot Plus PC, the answer is that it’s a computer fundamentally designed for an AI-driven world.
Top Features of Copilot+ PCs
Another way to answer what is Copilot Plus PC is by looking at the unique features that Microsoft introduced:
- Recall – A groundbreaking feature that allows you to “search your memory” on the PC. It can show you anything you’ve previously opened, from documents to web pages to images.
- Cocreator – AI-assisted creativity inside Paint and Photos, where you can generate or edit images with text prompts.
- Live Captions with Translation – Breaks language barriers by converting spoken content into captions with real-time translation across more than 40 languages.
- AI-powered creative tools – Works seamlessly with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, and other apps.
- Smarter Windows integration – AI becomes a native part of Windows, from productivity apps to everyday tasks.
These features highlight the real-world applications of what is Copilot Plus PC—a machine that goes beyond standard computing and works as a true AI companion.
Copilot+ PC Hardware: Powered by Snapdragon, Intel, and AMD
The hardware is what truly defines what is Copilot Plus PC. Microsoft has partnered with major chipmakers to ensure these devices are powerful enough for the AI era.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus → These ARM-based processors lead the first wave of Copilot+ PCs. They are optimized for AI workloads and deliver impressive energy efficiency with performance benchmarks above many current Intel and AMD chips.
- Intel Lunar Lake → Expected later in 2024, designed with built-in NPUs to compete with Qualcomm’s early lead.
- AMD Strix Point → The Ryzen-powered future of Copilot+ PCs, combining strong GPU performance with advanced NPUs.
On top of this, Microsoft Surface devices and partners such as Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer, and Samsung are releasing their first Copilot+ PCs. This confirms that what is Copilot Plus PC is not just a concept but a category being actively developed and deployed across the Windows ecosystem.
Who Should Consider Buying a Copilot+ PC?
So, what is Copilot Plus PC for in practical terms, and who should think about buying one?
- Professionals – Business users, developers, and designers benefit from AI-enhanced productivity tools, faster workflows, and smarter document management.
- Students and Researchers – AI-powered translation, recall, and note-taking can simplify studying and research.
- Content Creators – Video editors, graphic designers, and photographers will find creative workflows accelerated by AI features.
- Early Adopters – Tech enthusiasts who want to experience the next evolution of Windows will find Copilot+ PCs appealing.
If you rely on technology for productivity, creativity, or learning, what is Copilot Plus PC becomes more than just a question—it’s an answer to how your digital life can become smarter and more efficient.
Future of Copilot+ PCs
The future of what is Copilot Plus PC looks promising because Microsoft is positioning it as a long-term strategy, not a temporary experiment. Over the next few years, expect:
- Continuous Windows updates introducing new AI features.
- Expanded accessibility tools that make computing more inclusive.
- Deeper integration with Microsoft 365 apps, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Growth of AI-first applications, as more developers design software that runs best on Copilot+ PCs.
- Cloud + device synergy, combining local AI processing with the power of Azure cloud services.
This ensures that what is Copilot Plus PC today is only the beginning. Each year, these devices will gain new capabilities, evolving into the default Windows standard.
Conclusion
To summarize, what is Copilot Plus PC? It is Microsoft’s vision for the future of computing—an AI-first category of Windows devices designed with CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs working together to deliver faster, smarter, and more private experiences.
These devices are more than upgraded laptops; they are intelligent companions that can recall your activity, create content with you, translate in real time, and integrate AI across every part of Windows. By combining cutting-edge hardware from Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD with Microsoft’s AI ecosystem, Copilot+ PCs are setting the stage for the next era of personal technology.
For professionals, creators, students, and early adopters, what is Copilot Plus PC represents the start of a new chapter—one where AI becomes as essential to your computer as the operating system itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Copilot Plus PC in simple terms?
A Copilot+ PC is a Windows computer built with AI hardware (NPU) that allows artificial intelligence to run locally for speed, efficiency, and privacy.
Q2: When did Microsoft announce Copilot+ PCs?
Microsoft announced the new category of Copilot+ PCs in May 2024 at its Build developer conference.
Q3: What chips are used in Copilot+ PCs?
They are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite/X Plus, upcoming Intel Lunar Lake processors, and AMD Strix Point processors.
Q4: Why are Copilot+ PCs faster than regular PCs?
They include NPUs that handle trillions of AI operations per second, reducing reliance on the cloud and improving performance.
Q5: What are the main features of Copilot+ PCs?
Key features include Recall, Cocreator, Live Captions with Translation, and deep AI integration with apps like Adobe Photoshop and CapCut.
Q6: Who should buy a Copilot+ PC?
Students, professionals, creators, and anyone who wants to stay ahead with AI-driven technology.
Q7: Do Copilot+ PCs require the internet for AI features?
No. Many AI tasks run directly on-device, though cloud connectivity enhances performance when needed.
Q8: Is Copilot+ PC the future of Windows devices?
Yes. Microsoft is making Copilot+ PCs the new standard for Windows, shaping the future of personal and professional computing.
