Microsoft Elevates Windows 11 Minimum Requirements for Copilot+ PCs to Include Intel and AMD Support

Microsoft has revised its minimum system requirements for Windows 11 by specifying the specs for the new Copilot+ PCs. In addition to supporting the Snapdragon X processor, these systems now also accommodate AMD and Intel processors.

Copilot+ PCs represent a new generation of Windows 11 computers that deliver optimal performance for AI-related tasks. While the basic requirements for Windows 11 remain unchanged, Microsoft has established a distinct set of specifications for Copilot+ devices, which includes a neural processing unit (NPU) with a minimum performance of 40 TOPS.

Moreover, Microsoft has increased the minimum RAM requirement for Copilot+ PCs to 16 GB and requires them to come with at least 256 GB of fast storage, such as an SSD or UFS.

According to the updated webpage, “Copilot+ PCs represent a new category of AI-optimized computers running Windows 11, featuring NPUs used for real-time translation and image generation.”

To leverage the unique capabilities of Copilot+ PCs, customers will need to invest in new hardware. Besides the minimum Windows 11 system requirements, Copilot+ devices must include the following:

— A CPU/SoC with an NPU capable of more than 40 TOPS. Currently supported processors include: AMD Ryzen™ AI series 300, Intel® Core™ Ultra series 200V, and Snapdragon® X-series.

— RAM: at least 16 GB of DDR5 or LPDDR5.

— Storage: a minimum of 256 GB SSD or UFS.

In addition to updating the specifications, Microsoft has also introduced a significant update for USB-C, aimed at enhancing the protocol’s performance in Windows 11.