In the middle of 2024, Microsoft began advertising laptops branded as Copilot+ PCs, likening them to the groundbreaking IBM PC Model 5150. They asserted that these were “the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever created” and “the most important transformation to the Windows platform in decades,” based on their announcement. Yet, aside from the promotional language, what does “Copilot+ PC” truly signify? What precisely constitutes a Copilot+ PC?

The reality is that a Copilot+ PC is fundamentally a modern Windows laptop equipped with distinct AI functionalities. There is more to it, but it is not as intricate as it appears.

Here’s a straightforward guide for those curious about what they are acquiring when buying one of these AI laptops, inclusive of their minimum specifications.

First off: What is Copilot?

Copilot (previously known as Bing Chat) is an AI assistant developed by Microsoft, utilizing a customized version of ChatGPT from OpenAI. The Copilot application comes pre-installed on all new Windows 11 laptops, accessible from the taskbar or Start menu upon booting up. All models released after 2024 also include keyboard shortcuts for Copilot. You can reassign the hotkey if you do not use it, but the Copilot emblem stays in place.

If you do not possess a Windows laptop, Copilot can be accessed online at copilot.com or can be installed for free on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android.

So what does ‘Copilot+ PC’ signify, exactly?

A Copilot+ PC is a Windows laptop that features a certain kind of modern processor designed to support unique AI-driven software capabilities, often dubbed “AI PCs.”

Microsoft launched the Copilot+ PC category in May 2024, with the initial devices becoming available