An AI laptop, or AI PC, is a laptop with a neural processing unit (NPU), a chip designed to run artificial intelligence tasks on the device itself. To run the AI features built into Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs, a laptop needs an NPU rated at 40 or more TOPS, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB or larger SSD. Any laptop can use cloud AI tools in a browser, but an AI laptop runs many AI features faster, more privately, and with less battery drain.
In this AI laptop glossary, we explain what makes a laptop an AI PC, the specs you need for different AI uses, whether a laptop is good for AI, and the benefits of on-device AI. For more laptop terms, visit our laptop glossary.
What Is an AI Laptop?
An AI laptop is a laptop built to run artificial intelligence tasks locally, using three processors that share the work: the CPU, the GPU, and an NPU. The NPU is a dedicated, power-efficient chip for AI workloads like live captions, background blur on video calls, and image effects. By handling these tasks itself, the NPU leaves the CPU and GPU free for your other work and helps save battery.
| Processor | Role in AI |
|---|---|
| CPU (central processing unit) | Handles quick, everyday AI tasks and general computing |
| GPU (graphics processing unit) | Runs heavy AI workloads like image generation and local language models |
| NPU (neural processing unit) | Runs ongoing AI features efficiently, with less battery drain |
NPU performance is measured in TOPS, or trillions of operations per second. A higher TOPS rating means the NPU can handle more demanding AI tasks. Learn more in our NPU glossary and AI PCs glossary.
AI PC vs. Copilot+ PC
“AI PC” is a broad term for any laptop with a built-in NPU. A Copilot+ PC is a Microsoft category of Windows 11 AI PCs that meet higher minimum specs, including an NPU of 40 or more TOPS, so they can run Windows AI features that need more on-device power. Every Copilot+ PC is an AI PC, but not every AI PC qualifies as a Copilot+ PC. Shop HP AI PCs or browse HP Copilot+ PCs.
Laptop Specs Needed to Run AI
The specs you need depend on the kind of AI you use. For everyday AI features in Windows, look for a Copilot+ PC with a 40+ TOPS NPU and 16GB of RAM. For creative AI tools and running AI models on your own laptop, you’ll also want a dedicated GPU and 32GB of RAM or more.
Copilot+ PC minimum specs
| Spec | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | A compatible processor with an NPU capable of 40+ TOPS |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 or LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD or UFS storage |
Source: Microsoft Copilot+ PC hardware requirements. Current Copilot+ PCs use processors such as Intel® Core™ Ultra, AMD Ryzen™ AI, and Snapdragon® X Series chips.
Recommended specs by AI use
| How you use AI | NPU | RAM | Graphics | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud AI tools in a browser (chat assistants, writing help) | Not required | 8GB to 16GB | Integrated | 256GB SSD |
| Built-in Windows AI features (captions, studio effects, search) | 40+ TOPS | 16GB | Integrated | 256GB to 512GB SSD |
| AI photo and video editing | 40+ TOPS | 32GB | Dedicated GPU | 1TB SSD |
| Running local AI models and image generation | 40+ TOPS | 32GB to 64GB | Dedicated GPU with plenty of video memory (VRAM) | 1TB SSD or more |
| AI development and data science | Helpful | 32GB to 64GB or more | Workstation or high-end dedicated GPU | 1TB to 2TB SSD |
For heavy AI development, see our mobile workstations glossary or browse HP AI workstations. Learn more about memory in our laptop memory and storage glossary.
Is a Laptop Good for AI?
Yes, a laptop is good for most AI uses. Any current laptop can use cloud AI tools, like chat assistants and writing helpers, through a web browser. An AI laptop with an NPU adds fast, private on-device AI features, and a laptop with a powerful GPU and plenty of RAM can run some AI models locally. Training large AI models, however, still needs data center or desktop workstation hardware.
Cloud AI vs. on-device AI
| Cloud AI | On-device AI | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | On remote servers over the internet | On your laptop’s NPU, GPU, or CPU |
| Internet needed | Yes | No, for many features |
| Privacy | Your data is sent to an online service | Data can stay on your laptop |
| Speed | Depends on your connection | Fast, with little delay |
| Works on | Any laptop | Best on AI PCs with an NPU |
| Examples | Online chat assistants, cloud image generators | Live captions, video call effects, local search |
Many AI tools use both. Learn more in our on-device vs. cloud AI glossary.
What a laptop can and can’t do with AI
- Can: Use chat assistants, summarize documents, enhance photos, remove backgrounds, blur video call backgrounds, translate captions, and generate images
- Can, with strong specs: Run smaller language models and image generators locally, and speed up AI effects in creative apps
- Usually can’t: Train large AI models from scratch or run the biggest models that need data center hardware
Learn more about these tools in our generative AI glossary and large language models glossary.
Benefits of AI on a Laptop
The biggest benefits of an AI laptop are privacy, speed, offline use, and battery efficiency. Because an AI laptop can run many AI tasks on the device, it doesn’t have to send your data to the cloud, it responds quickly, it works without an internet connection, and its NPU handles AI tasks using less power than the CPU or GPU.
| Benefit | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Privacy | Many AI tasks can run locally, so your photos, files, and calls can stay on your laptop |
| Speed | On-device AI responds without waiting on an internet connection |
| Offline use | Features like captions and photo effects can work without Wi-Fi |
| Battery efficiency | The NPU runs AI features with less power, helping your battery last longer |
| Better video calls | AI can blur backgrounds, keep you in frame, and reduce background noise |
| Accessibility | Live captions and translation make videos and calls easier to follow |
| Productivity | AI helps you search, summarize, write, and find files faster |
Common AI features on AI laptops
- Live captions with translation: Shows real-time captions for audio and video, and can translate many languages
- Video call effects: Background blur, automatic framing, eye contact correction, and voice focus
- AI search and assistants: Find files, settings, and information by describing what you need
- Image creation and editing: Generate images, remove backgrounds, and enhance photos in built-in apps
- HP AI tools: Many HP AI PCs include HP software that uses AI to help with tasks and device settings
Available features depend on your laptop, operating system version, and region. Learn more in our AI features glossary, AI assistants glossary, and AI privacy and security glossary. For AI on Snapdragon laptops, read our article on why Snapdragon laptops are growing with the rise of AI PCs.
AI Laptop FAQs
What is an AI laptop?
An AI laptop is a laptop with a neural processing unit (NPU) that runs artificial intelligence tasks directly on the device. AI laptops use the NPU alongside the CPU and GPU to power features like live captions, video call effects, and AI-assisted search.
What specs do I need to run AI on a laptop?
To run Windows AI features on a Copilot+ PC, a laptop needs an NPU of 40 or more TOPS, 16GB of RAM, and at least a 256GB SSD. Running AI models locally or editing with AI tools works best with a dedicated GPU and 32GB of RAM or more.
What is an NPU in a laptop?
An NPU, or neural processing unit, is a processor designed to run AI tasks efficiently. It handles AI features using less power than the CPU or GPU, which helps save battery life.
What is a Copilot+ PC?
A Copilot+ PC is a Windows 11 laptop that meets Microsoft’s minimum specs for advanced on-device AI, including an NPU of 40 or more TOPS, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Copilot+ PCs can run Windows AI features that other laptops can’t.
Do I need an AI laptop to use AI?
No, you don’t need an AI laptop to use AI. Any current laptop can use cloud-based AI tools in a web browser, but an AI laptop runs many AI features faster, more privately, and offline.
Is a laptop good for AI development?
A laptop with a powerful dedicated GPU and 32GB to 64GB of RAM can handle AI development, testing, and smaller models. Training large AI models usually requires data center or desktop workstation hardware.
How much RAM does an AI laptop need?
An AI laptop needs at least 16GB of RAM to run built-in AI features on a Copilot+ PC. People who run AI models locally or use AI in creative apps should choose 32GB of RAM or more.
Are AI laptops worth it?
AI laptops are worth it for most new laptop buyers because their NPUs support current and future AI features, improve video calls, and help save battery. Because AI features keep expanding, an AI PC is a forward-looking choice.
