Quick answer: An NPU (neural processing unit) is a chip inside a processor that runs AI tasks on your own device using little power. An “AI PC” has one, and Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC label requires an NPU of at least 40 TOPS. If you mostly browse, email and stream, you do not need one.
Laptop makers now label many new models “AI PC”. The term is vague, so it helps to know what the hardware actually does before paying extra for it.
This guide explains the NPU, how it differs from the CPU and GPU, what Copilot+ PC means, and who benefits. It applies to buyers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Europe alike.
What is an NPU?
HP describes an NPU as a specialized processor built to do AI-related tasks efficiently. It sits inside the main processor (the system on a chip), so you cannot add one to an existing laptop.
Microsoft defines the NPU as a specialized chip for AI tasks that run on the device, and says NPU speed is measured in TOPS, or trillions of operations per second. Microsoft
How is an NPU different from a CPU or GPU?
- CPU: the general-purpose brain. It runs Windows, apps and web pages, and can run AI work, but that is not its main job.
- GPU: handles graphics, games and video. It can run AI too, but HP notes it draws a lot of power.
- NPU: built for AI pattern-matching such as voice recognition and image enhancement, running many calculations in parallel at low power.
The NPU takes supported AI work off the CPU and GPU, which Microsoft says can improve performance and battery life. HP claims 15 to 20 percent more battery life in AI-heavy work, but it is a seller and says its figures are unsourced and vary by task.
What does AI PC or Copilot+ PC actually mean?
“AI PC” is a marketing term with no single rule. “Copilot+ PC” is Microsoft’s specific label. Per Microsoft’s learning center, a Copilot+ PC needs:
- an NPU capable of at least 40 TOPS
- at least 16 GB of RAM
- at least a 256 GB SSD
- Windows 11 version 24H2 or later
Microsoft says “all Copilot+ PCs are Windows 11 PCs, but not all Windows 11 PCs are Copilot+ PCs.” Early models used Arm-based Snapdragon chips, and support has expanded to Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI. HP lists examples at 45 to 50 TOPS.
What can an NPU do for me?
Microsoft lists these Copilot+ features:
- Windows Studio Effects: lighting, gaze correction and voice clarity on video calls.
- Live Captions with Translations: turns audio from 40-plus languages into English captions, including offline.
- Cocreator and Photos tools: AI image generation and editing.
- Click to Do: suggests actions for text or images on screen. Some actions need a subscription, and availability varies by device, region and language.
- Recall (preview): lets you search past screen activity by description.
Microsoft’s business page says Recall is turned off by default and uses encrypted snapshots with sensitive content filtering. TechTarget says privacy concerns remain and that IT teams often disable it. Read our guide to using AI safely at work before turning on any feature that records activity.
Are there downsides to Copilot+ PCs?
TechTarget lists higher initial prices because of premium components, and possible software and peripheral issues on Arm-based models even with emulation. It says x86 Copilot+ PCs are less likely to have these problems. It also notes that manufacturer battery estimates may not match real-world use, so reviews and return policies matter.
Microsoft says Copilot+ PCs include TPM 2.0, Windows Hello and the Pluton security processor, which are real benefits for security-minded buyers, but they do not depend on the NPU alone.
Do I need an AI PC?
HP says an NPU is worthwhile for frequent AI use, mobile work and long days away from a charger, a “maybe” for occasional use and a “no” for basic computing. It lists web browsing, email, video playback and simple word processing as tasks a good CPU handles well.
TechTarget, writing for businesses, advises against buying Copilot+ PCs simply because they are available. It notes higher prices, possible software and peripheral issues on Arm models, and that battery claims should be tested.
A quick checklist
- Do you take many video calls or use live transcription? An NPU helps.
- Do you need old Windows software? Check Arm compatibility first.
- Is your current PC still fast? Then wait. See our look at whether to buy a laptop now or wait.
- Check RAM and storage too. Our RAM guide covers how much is enough.
More hardware explainers are in our more computing guides.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add an NPU to my old PC?
No. HP says the NPU is built into the processor, so it cannot be added to an existing laptop.
What does TOPS mean?
TOPS stands for trillions of operations per second. It measures how fast an NPU can process AI work. Copilot+ PCs need at least 40.
Is every Windows 11 PC with an NPU a Copilot+ PC?
No. Microsoft says the NPU is optional on select Windows 11 PCs and standard on Copilot+ PCs, which must also meet RAM, storage and Windows version requirements.
Does an AI PC run apps faster?
Not in general. It helps only with software that uses the NPU. Everyday browsing and office work depend mostly on the CPU, memory and storage.