What is an AI PC?
An AI PC is a laptop or desktop computer designed to run artificial intelligence tasks directly on the device. What sets it apart is a dedicated AI processor, called a neural processing unit (NPU), which works alongside the CPU and GPU to handle AI features quickly and with less power.
A traditional PC can still use AI, but it usually relies on cloud services or puts the load on its CPU and GPU. An AI PC is built to process more of that work locally. That can mean faster responses, longer battery life during AI tasks, and more control over where your data goes.
This guide explains what makes a PC an AI PC, how AI laptops and AI desktops differ, and what to look for when you buy one.
What makes a PC an AI PC?
A PC becomes an AI PC when its hardware and software are built to run AI workloads on the device itself. In practice, that comes down to three processors working together, supported by enough memory and an operating system that knows how to use them.
NPU (neural processing unit): The defining component. It runs sustained AI features, such as video-call effects and live captions, with low power draw. Learn more in our NPU guide.
CPU (central processing unit): Runs the operating system and apps, and handles quick, lightweight AI tasks.
GPU (graphics processing unit): Takes on heavier AI work, such as generating images or running larger models, along with graphics.
Memory and storage: AI models need room to load and run. More RAM lets an AI PC run larger models and more features at once.
AI-ready software: The operating system and apps decide which processor handles each task. An NPU only helps when software is built to use it.
What is a Copilot+ PC?
A Copilot+ PC is a category of Windows 11 AI PC defined by Microsoft that meets a specific set of hardware requirements. It is the most widely used benchmark for what counts as an AI PC on Windows today.
Requirement | Copilot+ PC minimum |
|---|---|
NPU performance | More than 40 TOPS |
Memory (RAM) | 16 GB |
Storage | 256 GB SSD |
Operating system | Windows 11 |
Sources: Microsoft Learn, Tom's Hardware.
Not every AI PC is a Copilot+ PC. Some earlier AI laptops include an NPU that falls below the 40 TOPS threshold. They can still run many AI features, but they cannot access the Windows features reserved for Copilot+ PCs.
AI PC vs. traditional PC
The main difference between an AI PC and a traditional PC is where AI work happens. A traditional PC sends most AI requests to the cloud or runs them on its CPU and GPU. An AI PC adds an NPU so more of that work can run locally and efficiently.
AI PC | Traditional PC | |
|---|---|---|
Dedicated AI processor | Yes, an NPU alongside the CPU and GPU | No, AI runs on the CPU, GPU, or in the cloud |
On-device AI features | Runs many AI features locally, often without an internet connection | Relies mostly on cloud services for AI |
Battery life during AI tasks | Longer, because the NPU uses less power | Shorter, because the CPU and GPU work harder |
Data privacy | More data can stay on the device | More data is sent to remote servers |
Copilot+ PC features | Available on models with an NPU above 40 TOPS | Not available |
Everyday apps and web AI tools | Fully supported | Fully supported |
Both types of PC can use web-based AI tools, such as online chatbots. The difference shows up in features that run on the device, how much battery they use, and how much of your data leaves your computer. Our on-device AI vs. cloud AI guide explains these trade-offs in more depth.
AI laptops vs. AI desktops
AI laptops and AI desktops use the same core idea, an NPU working alongside the CPU and GPU, but they suit different needs. AI laptops are the most common type of AI PC, while AI desktops have recently become easier to find.
AI laptops
An AI laptop puts the NPU's biggest advantage, power efficiency, to work where it matters most: on battery. Running video-call effects, live captions, and on-device assistants on the NPU helps a laptop last longer between charges. The first Copilot+ PCs launched in 2024 were all laptops, and most AI PCs sold today are still portable.
An AI laptop is a good fit if you work from different places, spend a lot of time on video calls, or want AI features available without relying on Wi-Fi.
AI desktops
An AI desktop brings on-device AI to a fixed workstation, from compact mini PCs to full towers. Battery life is not a factor, so desktops can pair an NPU with powerful dedicated GPUs for demanding AI work like image generation, video editing, and running larger local models.
Until recently, most desktop processors did not include an NPU fast enough for Copilot+ features, so early AI desktops were mainly mini PCs built with laptop processors. That is changing. In early 2026, AMD announced its Ryzen AI 400 Series, the first desktop processors designed for Copilot+ PC experiences, with an NPU rated at up to 50 TOPS. PC makers, including HP, were expected to ship systems with these chips starting in the second quarter of 2026 (Notebookcheck).
An AI desktop is a good fit if you work at one desk, need extra GPU power for creative or technical work, or are equipping an office with shared workstations.
AI laptop | AI desktop | |
|---|---|---|
Main advantage | Portability and battery life | Performance and expandability |
Biggest NPU benefit | Longer battery life during AI tasks | Frees the CPU and GPU for heavier work |
Best for | Hybrid work, travel, video calls | Creative work, technical workloads, fixed workstations |
Form factors | Thin-and-light, 2-in-1, workstation laptops | Mini PCs, all-in-ones, towers |
What can you do with an AI PC?
An AI PC makes everyday tasks faster and smoother by running AI features in the background, often without you noticing. Here is how that shows up in daily use:
Better video calls. Background blur, auto-framing, eye-contact correction, and voice focus run on the NPU throughout a call without slowing down other apps.
Live captions and translation. Spoken audio can be captioned and translated on the device in real time, which helps in meetings, videos, and calls.
Faster search. Some AI PCs let you find files, photos, and settings by describing them in everyday words instead of remembering exact file names.
Writing and summarizing. AI assistants can draft emails, summarize long documents, and rewrite text, with some tasks handled locally.
Creative work. Image generation, photo editing, background removal, and video upscaling run faster with the NPU and GPU sharing the load.
Work offline. On-device AI features can keep working when you have a weak connection or none at all.
More control over your data. When AI runs locally, less information needs to leave your device. See our AI privacy and security guide for what to watch for.
For businesses, AI PCs can help teams work faster while keeping more sensitive data on company devices. Our AI for business guide covers common workplace uses, and the AI features guide explains individual features in more detail.
How to choose an AI PC
The best AI PC for you depends on the AI features you want and the work you do every day. Use these steps to narrow your options:
Check the NPU rating. Look for the NPU's own TOPS figure, not a combined platform number. An NPU above 40 TOPS gives you access to Copilot+ PC features.
Get enough memory. 16 GB of RAM is the Copilot+ minimum. Consider 32 GB or more if you plan to run local AI models, edit video, or keep many apps open.
Match the GPU to your workload. Integrated graphics handle everyday AI features well. Choose a dedicated GPU for gaming, 3D work, or heavy image and video generation.
Choose the right form factor. Pick a laptop if you value portability and battery life, or a desktop if you need more performance at a fixed desk.
Look at the AI features included. Check which on-device features the PC supports, such as video-call effects, live captions, and on-device assistants, and whether the apps you use take advantage of the NPU.
Plan for the long term. AI features are expanding with each software update. A PC with a capable NPU and enough memory is better prepared for features that have not shipped yet.
If you mainly browse, stream, and use web-based AI tools, a traditional PC can still serve you well. An AI PC makes the most sense if you want on-device features, better battery life during AI tasks, or a computer that will stay current for several years.
AI PC frequently asked questions
Is an AI PC worth it?
An AI PC is worth it if you plan to keep your computer for several years, spend a lot of time on video calls, or want AI features that work on the device. If you are replacing an older PC anyway, choosing an AI PC helps prepare you for new AI features as they arrive. It is usually not worth replacing a PC that still works well just to get an NPU.
What is the difference between an AI PC and a Copilot+ PC?
An AI PC is any computer with dedicated hardware for running AI on the device, usually an NPU. A Copilot+ PC is a specific type of Windows 11 AI PC that meets Microsoft's requirements, including an NPU with more than 40 TOPS, at least 16 GB of RAM, and at least 256 GB of storage. Every Copilot+ PC is an AI PC, but not every AI PC is a Copilot+ PC.
Can a regular PC run AI?
Yes. A regular PC can use cloud-based AI tools, such as web chatbots, and can run some AI tasks on its CPU or GPU. It does not have an NPU, so on-device AI features run less efficiently, use more battery, or may not be available at all.
Do I need an AI PC to use ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot?
No. Web-based AI assistants run in the cloud, so they work on almost any computer with an internet connection. An AI PC adds features that run locally, such as video-call effects and on-device search, which cloud tools do not provide.
Can I upgrade my current PC to an AI PC?
In most cases, no. The NPU is built into the processor, so you would need a new processor, which usually means a new laptop or motherboard. Adding a powerful GPU to a desktop can speed up some AI tasks, but it will not unlock features that require an NPU.
Are AI PCs good for gaming?
AI PCs can be good for gaming when they include a capable GPU. The NPU does not boost frame rates directly, but it can handle background tasks, such as voice chat noise removal, so the CPU and GPU stay focused on the game.
Do AI PCs work without an internet connection?
Many AI PC features work offline because they run on the device. Examples include video-call effects, live captions, and some on-device assistants. Cloud-based AI tools still need an internet connection.
Are AI PCs more secure?
AI PCs can help protect privacy by processing more data on the device instead of sending it to the cloud. Security still depends on good habits and settings, such as keeping software updated and reviewing which AI features can access your data. Learn more in our AI privacy and security guide.
Related AI glossary guides
AI glossary: Definitions of key AI terms in one place
Neural processing units (NPUs): How NPUs work, what TOPS means, and CPU vs. GPU vs. NPU
On-device AI vs. cloud AI: Where AI runs and why it matters
AI features: The everyday AI capabilities built into modern PCs
AI assistants: How AI assistants work and how to get better results
AI for business: How organizations use AI PCs and AI tools
