Purpose: Identifying Computers with Built-in AI Acceleration

To prepare for the next generation of software, we are identifying computers that contain a new, specialized type of processor called an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). This check determines if your computer has an NPU and measures its power, which is essential for running advanced “Copilot+ PC” features directly on your device.

This check helps us understand which devices are ready for the future of on-device artificial intelligence.

How it Works: A Dedicated Brain for AI

Think of your computer’s main processor (CPU) as its general-purpose brain—it’s smart and handles all the day-to-day tasks.

• An NPU is like a second, highly specialized brain built specifically for AI tasks.
• This AI brain handles things like real-time language translation or advanced image creation incredibly fast, without slowing down your main processor.
• The power of this AI brain is measured in TOPS, which you can think of as its “AI Horsepower.” To qualify as a high-performance “Copilot+ PC,” a device needs an NPU with at least 40 TOPS of horsepower.

Our health check looks for this dedicated AI brain and measures its horsepower.

What Your Results Mean

The check will result in one of three outcomes. This is an informational check about a new feature, so no immediate action is required.

Status	What It Means	What To Do
High-Performance AI Processor(Pass)	Your device is a Copilot+ PC. It has a powerful, dedicated AI brain with 40+ TOPS of horsepower, ready for the most advanced, on-device AI features.	No action is required. Your device is fully future-ready.
Basic AI Processor(Warning)	Your device is AI-Ready. It has a first-generation AI brain, but with less than 40 TOPS of horsepower. It can accelerate some AI tasks but won’t support all the new Copilot+ features.	No action is required. Your device still has enhanced capabilities.
Standard PC (No AI Processor)(Fail)	Your device is a standard PC. It does not have a dedicated AI brain. It relies on its main processor for all tasks and is not a Copilot+ PC.	No action is required. Your computer is a fully supported device for all standard business work.

Frequently Asked Questions

My computer doesn’t have an NPU. Is it broken or obsolete?

• Not at all. NPUs are a very new technology. Most computers in use today are “Standard PCs” and are perfectly capable and fully supported for all business needs.

What are “Copilot+ PC” features?

• These are advanced AI features that run instantly on the device, such as recalling anything you’ve seen on your screen or providing live translation during calls. These require the horsepower of a dedicated NPU.

Will I still be able to use AI on my standard PC?

• Yes. You will continue to use the powerful cloud-based AI in Microsoft 365, Teams, and other applications. This check is only about the new features that run locally on the device itself.

Do I need to request a new computer if mine doesn’t have an NPU?

• No. This is not necessary. Our standard technology refresh process will ensure employees receive computers with the latest technology, including NPUs, as older devices are phased out.