Configuration for fluent operation of applications utilizing basic cloud-based AI under Windows 11 (not Copilot+):
- CPU:
- Intel Core i5 / i7 recommended (12th Gen or higher) or AMD Ryzen 5 / 7 recommended (5600X or higher).
- Multi-core architecture for better performance with parallel tasks.
- GPU:
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or RTX 3050/3060 recommended (or equivalent AMD graphics cards).
- A dedicated GPU is recommended for computationally intensive AI applications and graphics editing.
- RAM:
- At least 16 GB RAM (32 GB recommended for multitasking and AI applications).
- Storage:
- SSD with at least 512 GB storage (1 TB or more would be optimal for larger applications and data storage).
- Additional necessary:
- Direct TPM 2.0 chip.
- UEFI boot and Secure Boot support.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus/Elite.
- Higher CPU requirements for Copilot+ usage:
- Intel Core Ultra 200V Serie or AMD Ryzen AI 300 Serie or Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite.
- CPU with integrated GPU and NPU
- NPU:
- Usually integrated in CPU (see 6.)
- This is a prerequisite for Copilot+
- Capable of 40+ TOPs for applications that utilize AI and for machine learning.
The configuration (1. – 5.) provides good performance for most applications on Windows 11 with Copilot (Standard), including business software with basic cloud-based AI features. If you plan to use Copilot+ (or similar AI applications) or may use them in the future, please consider the correspondingly higher requirements (6. – 7.) regarding investment protection before making a new procurement.
Differences between CPU, GPU, and NPU:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit):
- Responsible for general calculations and control functions of the computer.
- Versatile and capable of handling a wide range of tasks (e.g., executing programs, controlling the operating system).
- Small number of cores, but very high clock speed for versatile calculations.
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit):
- Specialized in graphics and image processing.
- Consists of many cores (many more than a CPU) that can perform simple tasks in parallel very quickly (e.g., rendering graphics).
- Also increasingly used for computationally intensive tasks such as AI and machine learning.
- NPU (Neural Processing Unit):
- A specialized chip design optimized for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
- Designed to speed up the calculations required for neural networks (e.g., image and speech recognition).
- Focused on efficiency in performing specific AI tasks.
Differences between Copilot (Standard) and Copilot+:
- Copilot: This is the standard AI integration in Windows 11, which offers basic functions such as text suggestions and simple automations. These functions are cloud-based and do not require any special hardware.
- Copilot+: This is an extended version with additional AI functions that are processed locally on the device. The hardware requirements mentioned above are mandatory for this.
Copilot+ brings significant enhancements compared to Copilot (Standard) in Windows 11 – especially through the integration of local AI processing. Here is a clear overview of the use cases and benefits that Copilot+ offers:
| Function / Advantage | Copilot (Standard) | Copilot+ (Extended) |
| Processing | Cloud-based | Local processing by NPU |
| Speed / Latency | Medium (Internet-dependent) | Very fast (local, often possible offline) |
| Data protection | Data goes to the cloud | Local processing protects sensitive content |
| Recall (time travel) | ❌ | ✅ (AI-controlled content playback) |
| Paint Cocreator | ❌ | ✅ (Image generation with text instructions) |
| Live subtitles & translations | ❌ | ✅ (offline possible) |
| Studio Effects for webcam | ❌ (or limited) | ✅ (local real-time processing) |
| Optimized window management | Basic functions | ✅ AI-based suggestions for multitasking |
| Availability | All Windows 11 devices | Only on devices with NPU ≥ 40 TOPS (Copilot+ PC) |
In more detail:
1.Local AI processing by NPU
For the first time,Copilot+ uses a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with at least 40 TOPS, allowing certain AI functions to run directly on the device – without the cloud.
Advantages:
- Faster response and lower latency
- Better data protection, as sensitive content is processed locally
- Offline availability of selected AI functions
2.New exclusive application functions in Copilot+
Recall (time travel function)
- Allows you to jump “back in time”: Windows remembers everything you’ve done (content, windows, web pages, documents).
- You can navigate visually through your work history using text search.
Use case: For example, find a PDF document that you opened 3 days ago by the description, not by the file name.
Cocreator in Paint
- AI-based image creation directly in the Paint app.
- Users can create images by entering text or creatively combining existing works with AI.
Use case: marketing teams, teachers, content creators quickly create visuals without graphic design skills.
Live captions & translation in real time
- AI automatically creates subtitles for any spoken content on your PC – including real-time translation.
- Also works offline!
Use case: International meetings, videos without subtitles, accessibility for the hearing impaired.
Studio Effects 2.0 (in Teams, Zoom, etc.)
- Improved camera functions through AI: eye contact, background blur, lighting effects, portrait filters.
- Now smoother thanks to local processing.
Use case: Better appearance in video conferences, even with suboptimal webcam or lighting.
Intelligent Snap Assist (window management with context)
- Windows learns how you work and suggests customizable window layouts based on your activities.
Use case: More efficient multitasking with automatically matching layout suggestions.
Copilot (standard) offers:
- AI-supported responses (ChatGPT-like) for texts, code, web searches
- Integration with Microsoft 365 (e.g. Word suggestions, Excel formulas, PowerPoint designs)
- Exclusively cloud-based, dependent on internet connection
- No recall, no local image/video AI feature
Conclusion:
Copilot+ brings massive benefits for users who:
- want local, fast, privacy-friendly AI functions,
- work intensively with media, documents or multitasking,
- or simply prefer a future-proof system with extended AI options.
Copilot+ takes the user experience to a whole new level.