Microsoft is embarking on a significant rollout today, introducing a suite of enhancements for Copilot+ PCs, with the spotlight on the highly anticipated Recall feature. However, this update brings more than just one standout element.
Enhanced Search Functionality
Among the notable changes is a revamped version of Windows’ Search function. This new iteration is designed to grasp the contextual meaning of words and phrases, transforming the search experience into something more natural and intuitive. Users can leverage this advanced natural-language search capability across various platforms, including the Search box in the Taskbar, File Explorer, and the Settings app.
Introducing “Click to Do”
Another innovative feature, dubbed “Click to Do,” empowers users to interact with their screens in a more dynamic way. This tool allows for the copying of text from images, searching content displayed on the screen, and quickly summarizing or rewriting on-screen text. Users can easily activate this feature by pressing the Windows key followed by a click, hence the name “Click to Do.”
Hardware Requirements for Copilot+
To fully harness the capabilities of Copilot+, PCs must meet specific hardware requirements that extend beyond the standard needs for running Windows 11. A key requirement is the inclusion of a neural processing unit (NPU), which is capable of executing over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This advanced NPU facilitates enhanced processing of AI and machine learning models directly on the device, ensuring that features operate swiftly while safeguarding sensitive personal information from being transmitted to Microsoft’s servers.
Supported Processors
Currently, the only consumer processors that support Copilot+ include:
- Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips
- Intel’s Core Ultra 200V-series laptop chips (codenamed Lunar Lake)
- AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series
Historically, Copilot+ features have been rolled out first to Arm-based Qualcomm PCs, with x86-based Intel and AMD systems receiving updates subsequently. The Recall feature and the enhanced Search functionality are now available for both Arm and x86 PCs, while certain aspects of Click to Do are currently exclusive to Arm systems.
