Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC specification is reshaping how businesses think about hardware refresh cycles. With AI processing requirements now baked directly into the silicon, the way organisations plan device procurement is changing significantly.
What Is a Copilot+ PC?
Copilot+ PC is Microsoft’s hardware specification for devices capable of running AI-powered features locally — without sending data to the cloud. To qualify, a device must include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of delivering at least 40 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of AI compute performance. This is a significant jump from the NPUs found in previous-generation laptops, which typically delivered 10–15 TOPS.
Devices meeting the Copilot+ specification unlock a suite of AI features built into Windows 11, including:
- Recall — a searchable timeline of everything you’ve worked on, processed locally on the device
- Live Captions with real-time translation — converting speech from any application into translated subtitles in real time
- Cocreator in Paint — AI image generation directly within Windows
- Enhanced Windows Studio Effects — advanced background blur, eye contact correction, and voice focus for video calls
Which Chips Qualify?
The Copilot+ specification is met by the latest generation of processors from all three major chip vendors:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite / X Plus — the first to meet the spec, with strong NPU performance
- AMD Ryzen AI 300 series — AMD’s response with competitive NPU performance in x86 architecture
- Intel Core Ultra 200V series (Lunar Lake) — Intel’s latest with significantly improved integrated NPU
- Apple M-series — while Apple operates outside the Windows ecosystem, the Neural Engine in M-series chips exceeds the TOPS requirement and Apple has integrated comparable on-device AI features
What This Means for Business Hardware Planning
For UK businesses planning device refreshes over the next 12–24 months, the Copilot+ specification introduces an important decision point. Devices purchased now that do not meet the NPU requirements will not be able to run Copilot+ features, even if they are otherwise capable machines running Windows 11.
Key considerations for IT decision-makers:
- Lifecycle alignment: If devices are on a 3–4 year refresh cycle, purchases made today will still be in service when AI-powered productivity tools are mainstream. Buying Copilot+-capable hardware now is a form of future-proofing.
- Software licensing: Many Copilot+ AI features are included with Windows 11 — no additional licensing is required, unlike some cloud-based AI productivity tools that carry per-user costs.
- Data privacy: Because Copilot+ features process data locally on the NPU rather than in the cloud, they may be preferable in regulated industries or for organisations with strict data residency requirements.
- Performance gains beyond AI: The latest processors also deliver meaningful improvements in battery life and general CPU performance, making the upgrade case strong even without the AI angle.
Windows 10 End of Life: The Forcing Function
Adding urgency to hardware planning is the end of support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Devices unable to run Windows 11 — due to TPM 2.0 or CPU requirements — will need to be replaced regardless of the Copilot+ conversation. This creates a natural window for businesses to consolidate their refresh and upgrade to Copilot+-capable hardware in a single procurement cycle.
How BIT Tech Can Help
At BIT Tech IT Solutions, we advise businesses on device procurement, lifecycle management, and Windows upgrade planning. Whether you’re assessing your current fleet for Windows 11 compatibility or planning a phased refresh that takes Copilot+ into account, we can help you build a hardware strategy that balances cost, performance, and longevity.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your device refresh strategy.
