Important terms
Before exploring what makes Copilot+ PCs unique, it helps to understand a few foundational hardware concepts. These terms come up frequently when discussing device performance and AI capabilities.
Hardware terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | The primary processor in a computer, responsible for performing general-purpose operations and running applications. |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) | A specialized processor designed to render images, video, and 3D graphics efficiently. |
| Neural Processing Unit (NPU) | A dedicated chip designed to run AI and deep learning workloads directly on the device, separate from the CPU and GPU. |
| Trillions of Operations Per Second (TOPS) | A unit of measurement for the maximum processing throughput of an NPU. Higher TOPS indicates greater capacity for on-device AI workloads. |
Tip
Think of the CPU, GPU, and NPU as a team. The CPU handles general tasks, the GPU handles visual workloads, and the NPU handles AI-specific processing. On Copilot+ PCs, the NPU takes on AI tasks, so the CPU and GPU remain available for everything else—improving overall system performance and battery life.
Understanding Windows 11 device tiers
The current Windows 11 device ecosystem includes two primary tiers for business: Windows 11 Pro PCs and Copilot+ PCs. Copilot+ PCs build on everything included with Windows 11 Pro and add dedicated AI hardware and enhanced experiences.
The following table summarizes the key differences between tiers.
| Capability | Windows 11 Pro PCs | Copilot+ PCs |
|---|---|---|
| AI access | Cloud-based AI through Copilot (with eligible Microsoft 365 license) | Cloud-based AI plus on-device AI powered by a dedicated NPU |
| NPU | May include an integrated NPU | Dedicated NPU capable of 40+ TOPS |
| Security | TPM 2.0, Virtualization-based security, BitLocker, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) |
All Windows 11 Pro security features, plus Copilot+ PC–exclusive protections enabled by default: Microsoft Pluton, Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, Secured-core PC protection |
| Performance | Modern processors with reliable performance for business workloads | Up to 2x faster in office productivity tasks compared to average five-year-old Windows PCs, with extended battery life |
| Productivity features | Snap layouts, Desktops, Microsoft Narrator, Voice access |
All Windows 11 Pro features, plus: Click to Do, Improved Windows search with federation, Live Captions with translation, Windows Studio Effects, Fluid Dictation, Agent in Settings |
| Management | Microsoft Intune, Windows Autopilot, Windows Autopatch, Windows Update for Business |
Same management tools and processes as Windows 11 Pro PCs |
Note
Both Windows 11 Pro PCs and Copilot+ PCs are managed with the same IT tools and processes, including Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopilot. Organizations don't need separate management infrastructure for Copilot+ PCs.
Important
Performance claims are based on Microsoft testing. Results may vary depending on device configuration, usage, and other factors. For more information, see the Copilot+ PC claims and disclosures documentation.
What's enhanced on Copilot+ PCs
Copilot+ PCs include everything available on Windows 11 Pro, with additional hardware and software capabilities designed for AI workloads. The following features are enhanced or exclusive to Copilot+ PCs:
- Click to Do—Analyzes text or images on screen and suggests next steps, such as opening content in another app, rewriting text, or applying edits in Photos.
- Improved Windows search—Contextual search that understands descriptive queries for files, settings, and images, and unifies local and cloud results in a single taskbar experience.
- Agent in Settings—Describe what you want to configure (such as attaching an external screen or pairing a Bluetooth device), and the agent offers suggestions and applies your selected changes.
- Windows Studio Effects—Full NPU-powered video call enhancements, including portrait blur, eye contact correction, voice focus, and autoframing.
- Live Captions with translation—Real-time translation from 40+ languages to English, and 25+ languages to Chinese (Simplified).
- Fluid Dictation—Voice input that suggests corrections and improvements to your writing as you speak.
Important
Some Copilot+ PC features have language, region, or hardware requirements. Feature availability varies by device. For the latest details, see Copilot+ PC FAQs.
Security features across both tiers
The following security capabilities are available on all Windows 11 Pro PCs and Copilot+ PCs:
- TPM 2.0
- Virtualization-based security
- Windows Hello for Business passwordless sign-in
- Microsoft Copilot with enterprise data protection (with eligible Microsoft 365 license)
- Microsoft vulnerable driver blocklist
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus protection
- App Control for Business (requires Microsoft Intune)
- Windows administrator protection (requires Microsoft Intune)
- Network security improvements
- BitLocker device encryption
- Post-quantum cryptography (PQC)
Note
Some security features may require supported hardware and configuration. Availability can vary by device and deployment. For example, while all Windows 11 Pro PCs support TPM 2.0, some may use a discrete TPM chip while others use firmware-based TPM. For more information on security features and requirements, see the Windows 11 security documentation.
On Copilot+ PCs, the following security features are enhanced and enabled by default:
| Feature | Copilot+ PC enhancement |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Pluton | Built in and enabled by default |
| Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security | Enabled by default |
| Secured-core PC protection | Enabled by default (configurable on supporting Windows 11 devices) |
Tip
For learners positioning these devices in business conversations: the key takeaway is that Copilot+ PCs are secure by default—Microsoft Pluton, Enhanced Sign-in Security, and Secured-core protection all come enabled out of the box, without requiring IT configuration.