If you have heard about Copilot+ PCs and wondered what sets them apart, the answer lies in how they use artificial intelligence at the hardware level. Traditional PCs rely mostly on the CPU and GPU to handle tasks. Copilot+ PCs introduce a third processor called the Neural Processing Unit (NPU), dedicated entirely to AI.
The NPU allows your computer to handle complex AI functions without relying on the cloud. Tasks such as live transcription, meeting summaries, or image generation can now happen directly on your device quickly and privately.
This new hardware represents the biggest leap in Windows PCs in years, combining speed, intelligence, and security in one platform.
TL;DR Copilot+ PCs are a new class of Windows 11 computers with built-in neural processing units (NPUs) designed to handle AI tasks locally. They deliver faster performance, better energy efficiency, and smarter features like Recall, real-time translation, and enhanced Microsoft 365 Copilot experiences.
The Power of the NPU
At the heart of every Copilot+ PC is the NPU, a specialized chip that performs more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). In simple terms, it gives your computer the power to complete AI tasks much faster than before.
While the CPU handles general processing and the GPU focuses on visuals, the NPU is optimized for machine learning and neural network workloads. It can process speech recognition, enhance images, and understand natural language at lightning speed while using less power.
The result is a system that feels faster, lasts longer on battery, and protects your data by processing many AI tasks locally instead of sending them to the cloud.
Features That Make Copilot+ PCs Stand Out
1. Recall
Recall is one of the most talked-about features of Copilot+ PCs. It allows you to search across everything you have done on your PC, including documents, emails, and browser activity, using natural language. It functions like a searchable memory of your work.
Microsoft has included strong privacy controls within Recall, giving users full control over what is indexed and stored on their device.
2. Real-Time Translation and Subtitles
With the power of the NPU, Copilot+ PCs can translate conversations or video captions instantly, even when offline. This feature is particularly valuable for global teams and multilingual meetings.
3. Smarter Microsoft 365 Copilot
When paired with Microsoft 365 Copilot, these PCs make the experience faster and more seamless. The NPU helps Copilot generate insights, summaries, and suggestions in real time, improving productivity without slowing down your system.
4. Enhanced Creativity Tools
AI-powered design and editing tools such as Paint, Photos, and Clipchamp now use the NPU to remove backgrounds, enhance lighting, or generate creative assets instantly, all without sending your data to the cloud.
Did you know? According to Microsoft, Copilot+ PCs are capable of more than 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS) while consuming a fraction of the power of traditional CPUs and GPUs. [Source: Microsoft]
Should You Go Out and Buy a Copilot+ PC?
Not necessarily. While the technology is impressive, it is still in the early stages of adoption. Most business users will not need to replace their current devices right away unless they are already due for a hardware refresh.
If your work involves AI-assisted productivity, such as using Microsoft 365 Copilot for analysis, document creation, or meeting summaries, then upgrading may be worthwhile. The NPU in Copilot+ PCs can significantly enhance speed and responsiveness for these features.
However, if your daily work involves standard office tasks, email, or browser-based tools, your existing hardware running Windows 11 will continue to perform well. Microsoft will continue to support non-Copilot+ PCs for years, and most AI capabilities will still function through the cloud.
The right time to upgrade is when your current devices approach end of life or when your business begins adopting more advanced AI workflows. By that point, the next wave of Copilot+ PCs will likely be even more capable and cost-efficient.
Why Businesses Should Care
For small and midsize businesses, Copilot+ PCs are not just about speed. They represent a new level of productivity and data protection. With AI happening locally, sensitive information does not have to leave your network, which reduces privacy risks and improves performance.
Adopting this technology early helps teams automate repetitive tasks, simplify workflows, and collaborate more effectively across Microsoft 365 applications.
Related Reading
Read more in The Future of AI in Business
Learn more in GPT-5 in Microsoft 365 Copilot: What SMBs Need to Know
See also Is Your Data AI-Ready?
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From PCC’s Desk
AI is transforming how we work, and Copilot+ PCs are a clear sign of what is next. Whether you are exploring Microsoft 365 Copilot or planning a device refresh, now is the time to ensure your IT strategy supports intelligent computing. Let’s talk about how your business can prepare.