Desktop and mobile operating systems are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence capabilities, with Microsoft leading the charge through its recently unveiled Windows 11 2025 Update. However, Google and Apple are also making significant strides in embedding AI into their respective products and devices.
For Microsoft, the introduction of Copilot+ PCs marks the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at enhancing the intelligence of the Windows operating system. A recent article on Microsoft’s website outlines the current landscape of AI within Windows and offers a glimpse into its future.
At the heart of this innovation are neural processing units (NPUs), which are essential for powering the new functionalities. These chips enable an impressive 40 trillion operations per second, facilitating advanced AI operations. Unfortunately, Windows devices lacking these NPUs are unable to access many of the AI features that Microsoft has rolled out over the past few years. The 2025 feature update, for instance, introduces several new capabilities, including:
- AI actions in File Explorer
- Click to Do functionality
- Agent in settings, which responds to natural language prompts like “how can I share Internet with other devices” to provide relevant solutions.
This is particularly beneficial for users who may not be well-versed in configuring Windows, assuming the AI agent accurately interprets their queries and offers appropriate suggestions.
Microsoft: the future of Windows is AI
Looking beyond the present, Microsoft’s vision for the future of Windows is even more intriguing. The company envisions AI agents fundamentally altering the way users interact with their computers—an interaction model that has remained largely unchanged for the past six decades. Microsoft anticipates that “intelligent software assistants” will not only comprehend user requests but also, with user consent, execute tasks autonomously on Windows machines.
To realize this vision, NPUs are indispensable. They facilitate the execution of AI tasks locally, addressing privacy concerns among users wary of cloud-based AI functionalities. However, a significant number of Windows PCs still lack NPUs, particularly older Windows 10 devices, which are set to lose support in less than two weeks. Many Windows 11 PCs also do not feature NPUs, as Microsoft did not initially roll out its Copilot+ PC program alongside the launch of Windows 11. Consequently, the first generation of Windows 11 devices is unable to leverage most of the AI features being introduced.
As the landscape evolves, the focus will shift toward Copilot+ compatible PCs, with an increasing number of operating system features requiring AI capabilities or being optimized for NPUs. This transition promises to reshape the user experience in profound ways.
Now You: do you have a PC with a NPU already? Do you use AI features regularly? What is your prediction for Windows going forward?
