neural processing unit Archives

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Microsoft is bringing AI features to more Windows 11 PCs — just in case you were under the impression that AI was being cut back

Microsoft is testing a new feature that allows developers to implement local language models on non-Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11. The Language Model APIs can now operate on any Windows 11 device with a compatible Nvidia GPU, specifically targeting GeForce RTX 30 series and newer models with at least 6 GB of video RAM. This initiative aims to democratize access to AI capabilities across a broader range of Windows 11 PCs, although not all PCs will gain access to exclusive Copilot+ AI functionalities.

Winsage

June 11, 2026

Microsoft is killing the Copilot+ PC advantage, brings Windows 11’s local AI to RTX 30+ PCs with 6GB vRAM

Microsoft has made its local Language Model APIs for Windows 11 accessible on non-Copilot+ PCs, requiring an NVIDIA RTX 30 series GPU with at least 6GB of VRAM. Copilot+ PCs, which debuted on June 18, 2024, require 16GB of RAM, an SSD, and a minimum of 40 TOPS NPU. The new APIs allow broader access to AI functionalities, including AI-powered text formatting, summarization, text rewriting, text-to-table conversion, and general prompt generation, through a compact language model called "Phi Silica." Users with compatible NVIDIA GPUs can utilize these features locally, enhancing privacy compared to cloud-based models. However, some features remain exclusive to devices with NPU chips.

Winsage

June 9, 2026

Hybrid AI Agents, Orchestration, and the Real Reason Microsoft is Fixing Windows 11 ⭐

Over the past weekend, the author reviewed session videos from Build 2026, focusing on Windows 11. The sessions were categorized into three areas: Windows app development, developer productivity, and agentic AI. The introduction of hybrid agents, which combine local AI sub-agents, was a notable development. Microsoft's partnership with Qualcomm led to the launch of Windows 10 on Arm-based PCs branded as Always Connected PCs, which evolved into Copilot+ PCs with Nuvia-powered chips for Windows 11. The Copilot+ PCs emphasize on-device AI experiences through powerful neural processing units (NPUs). The introduction of second-generation Snapdragon X2-based PCs is underway, although adoption is slower than expected. Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 will integrate AI agents, including local AI agents and hybrid agents. The capabilities of local AI models are being enhanced, and Windows AI APIs will now support CPUs and GPUs. New Nvidia chipsets will enable large language models to run locally on PCs. The orchestration of local and cloud AI components is essential for efficient AI workload management. Microsoft is addressing user pain points to support a robust local foundation for hybrid AI, aiming to improve Windows 11 overall.

Winsage

June 7, 2026

Windows 11’s June 2026 Update Lands June 9 With Shared Audio And NPU Monitoring: The 6 Features Worth Knowing

Microsoft will begin rolling out the June 2026 update for Windows 11 on June 9, 2026. Key features include Shared Audio, which allows two users to listen to the same audio output from one device using a new Low Latency audio profile, and NPU monitoring in Task Manager, enabling users to track AI processing handled by the neural processing unit. The update also introduces multi-app camera streaming, custom account folder naming during setup, and various enhancements to Settings, Windows Hello, USB functionality, battery management, and personalization options.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

Windows 11 is Getting These Six Upgrades and Features This Month

Microsoft will begin the rollout of the June 2026 security update for Windows 11 on June 9, which includes new features and security fixes for versions 25H2 and 24H2. Key upgrades include: 1. Low Latency Profile: Enhances responsiveness during brief tasks by temporarily boosting processor frequency, potentially improving app launch times by up to 40% and interaction times by up to 70%. 2. Shared Audio: Allows two users to listen to the same audio stream from one PC using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology. 3. Task Manager NPU Metrics: Provides insights into AI hardware usage, displaying NPU usage and memory across various Task Manager pages. 4. Multi-App Camera Support: Enables multiple applications to access the same camera stream simultaneously and introduces a Basic Camera mode for troubleshooting. 5. Custom Folder Name During Setup: Users can select a custom name for their user profile folder during the setup process. 6. Windows Hello and Other Changes: Optimizes the Windows Biometric service, enhances Windows Search, and improves storage settings and reliability for USB connections. The update will be rolled out gradually, with availability varying by device.

Winsage

June 3, 2026

Here are the 6 biggest features and improvements coming to Windows 11 in the June 2026 update on Tuesday

Microsoft will roll out the June 2026 Security Update for Windows 11 on June 9, 2026. Key features include: - Introduction of the Low Latency Profile feature, allowing two users to share audio from a single source and improving application launch times by up to 40% and interaction times by up to 70%. - Updates to Task Manager for enhanced monitoring of Neural Processing Unit (NPU) usage, including metrics for NPU utilization and memory usage. - Enhanced webcam controls allowing multiple applications to access the same camera stream simultaneously. - Ability to select a custom name for the user profile folder during installation. - Optimizations to Windows Hello for faster authentication when resuming from Modern Standby. - Improvements to Windows Search for locating files with just two characters and more precise color matching for desktop backgrounds in Personalization settings.

Winsage

May 26, 2026

Windows 12 at Build 2026: What to expect

Microsoft Build 2026 will occur on June 2 and 3 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, featuring a keynote by CEO Satya Nadella. The event targets AI developers and enterprise teams, emphasizing a hands-on experience. In-person tickets are priced at ,099, while the keynote and select sessions will be streamed live for free. Although there is speculation about Windows 12, Microsoft has not officially confirmed its release, with reports indicating that 2027 may be the earliest for any announcement. Current initiatives include Windows K2, aimed at improving Windows 11's performance and reliability. Build 2026 is expected to cover topics such as native Windows development with WinUI 3, on-device AI capabilities, security for AI applications, and enhancements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). In-person attendance will be limited, and visa support is available for international attendees.

Winsage

April 29, 2026

AI may be coming to Windows 11’s Clock app as Microsoft turns it into a focus tool

The upcoming Focus feature in the Windows Clock app includes enhancements aimed at improving user productivity, such as integration with Tasks, a visually appealing interface, analytics on focus sessions, and customization options. It will leverage the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in newer Windows PCs, particularly enhancing the Insights feature, although the NPU page in the test version is mainly for debugging. The current test version lacks traditional elements like the clock and timer, featuring a modernized aesthetic with rounded corners. Users can customize their experience with music playback, volume adjustments, and background images. The redesigned tasks pane allows sorting by various criteria and includes options for AI-generated suggestions. Integration with Microsoft To Do is seamless, and a feature called Reflection prompts users to evaluate their focus sessions. An Insights page for focus sessions is under development, and initial tests show the new app consumes nearly double the RAM of its predecessor. The Settings page offers extensive customization options, including focus and break durations, and hints at future integration with e-learning platforms. Users can enable Focus insights to monitor concentration levels and pause sessions when needed. The timeline for the rollout of the new features remains unclear.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

How to Find Your PC Specs and What They Mean: Full Guide

To check computer specifications on Windows 11, go to Settings > System > About for a quick overview of CPU, RAM, and system type. For detailed insights, use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check the Performance tab, or run msinfo32 via Windows + R for comprehensive details. For gaming at 1080p or 1440p, a minimum Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 16 GB RAM, and a dedicated GPU with 8 GB VRAM are recommended, along with a fast 512 GB or larger NVMe SSD for better load times. An SSD offers faster boot times and application launches (over 500 MB/s) compared to a traditional HDD (100–150 MB/s), which has greater storage capacity but slower performance. The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is designed for AI tasks on PCs, improving performance and efficiency, but is not essential unless frequently using AI applications. By 2026, 16 GB RAM will be sufficient for everyday use and multitasking, while 32 GB will be ideal for gaming and creative work. 8 GB may still support basic tasks but could struggle with modern applications.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Windows 11 Task Manager is finally getting deeper insights into NPU usage in AI PCs — No more trying to guess which apps are using the specialized hardware

Windows 11's Task Manager is being updated to provide more detailed insights into Neural Processing Unit (NPU) performance. The latest Insider Preview Build 26300.8142 introduces optional columns for NPU Dedicated Memory and NPU Shared Memory in the Details tab, along with showcasing neural engines associated with the GPU in the Performance tab. The NPU was first introduced in mainstream devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips and Microsoft Copilot+ PCs in 2024. Many new laptops and desktops now come equipped with NPUs, compatible with Copilot+, regardless of whether they use Qualcomm, Intel, or AMD hardware.