NPU Archives

Winsage

May 7, 2025

An AI-driven ‘Fix it’ button is just what Windows needs

Microsoft is introducing a branding transformation with new Windows AI features in the latest Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, focusing on user experience enhancement through an advanced NPU in Copilot+ PCs. A key feature is the "agentic AI" in the Windows 11 Settings menu, which can autonomously research, troubleshoot, and resolve PC issues. For example, it can adjust screen brightness or text size based on user needs. The system includes a "Fix it" button that offers solutions for common problems, such as activating dark mode to reduce eye strain. This AI-driven approach aims to improve user satisfaction by providing straightforward solutions to specific issues.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Introducing all-new Surface Copilot+ PCs: The Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch

Copilot+ PCs are a new category of personal computing devices designed to enhance AI experiences and productivity. Microsoft has introduced the Surface Laptop (13-inch) and Surface Pro (12-inch) as part of this lineup, both featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors with Neural Processing Units (NPU). The Surface Laptop, available from May 20, 2025, starts at 9, is the thinnest and lightest model yet, and offers up to 23 hours of video playback. It has a full HD touchscreen, AI-enhanced camera, and a keyboard with a fingerprint reader. The Surface Pro, also powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, weighs 1.5 pounds and features a detachable keyboard and adjustable kickstand. Both devices incorporate sustainable materials, with the Surface Laptop using 100% recycled cobalt in its battery and the Surface Pro made from 82.9% recycled content. They provide access to AI tools for productivity, including features like Recall and Click to Do. Pre-orders for both devices are available, with the Surface Pro starting at 9 and the Surface Laptop at ,199.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Microsoft rolls Windows Recall out to the public nearly a year after announcing it

Microsoft is rolling out enhancements for Copilot+ PCs, including the Recall feature and a revamped Search function that understands contextual meanings for a more intuitive experience. The new "Click to Do" feature allows users to copy text from images, search on-screen content, and summarize or rewrite text by pressing the Windows key and clicking. To use Copilot+, PCs must have specific hardware requirements, including a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of over 40 trillion operations per second. Supported processors for Copilot+ include Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Plus chips, Intel's Core Ultra 200V-series laptop chips, and AMD's Ryzen AI 300 series. The Recall feature and enhanced Search are available for both Arm and x86 PCs, while some Click to Do features are exclusive to Arm systems.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Microsoft finally plays its trump AI card, Recall, in Windows 11 – but for me, it’s completely overshadowed by another new ability for Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has rolled out the Recall feature for Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs as part of the April preview update, enhancing user experience with saved screenshots for natural language searches. The Click to Do feature is now generally available, offering AI-driven actions, and the search functionality has been upgraded to allow natural language searches from local and cloud resources. The Live Captions feature now includes real-time translations in Simplified Chinese, covering 27 languages. Recall processes information locally for privacy, and users can opt out or remove it entirely. The rollout of Recall may be controlled, and users should download the April 2025 preview update to access it. Enhanced search functionality can reduce the time to locate images by up to 70% on Copilot+ devices compared to Windows 10.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft rolling Windows Recall back into Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has reintroduced its Windows Recall feature, now integrated into the Windows 11 Release Preview channel for Copilot+ PCs, after addressing public concerns. Originally unveiled at the Build developer conference in May of last year, Windows Recall automatically captures screenshots of a user's desktop at regular intervals and stores them locally. The feature aims to help users revisit their activities and incorporate AI capabilities for searching through the captured data. Privacy concerns arose due to the logging of user actions, prompting Microsoft to pause the launch in June after significant backlash. In November, Microsoft began testing Recall again, with it disabled by default on specific Copilot+ PCs. The feature is included in Windows 11 Build 26100.3902 as an opt-in option, with plans for a broader rollout in early 2025 and a phased introduction in the European Economic Area later this year. Recall will support multiple languages and is compatible with major web browsers. Screenshots are stored locally and encrypted, requiring Windows Hello authentication for access. Microsoft asserts that data remains on local storage and is not shared with third parties, with users having control over snapshot permissions and deletion options.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5551 (KB5055617) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has advanced to the 26200 series builds, and the option to switch to the Beta Channel is no longer available. This build is based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and shares features with the 26120 series in the Beta Channel. New features include enhanced Windows Search on Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to search for settings using phrases. Narrator now provides detailed image descriptions powered by AI for improved accessibility on Copilot+ PCs. Improvements are being rolled out for widgets, including the ability to read content directly from the MSN feed. Fixes include resolving crashes in Settings, File Explorer, and issues with app icons in the taskbar. Known issues include problems with Windows Recovery Environment and certain apps failing to launch post-update. The Dev Channel updates are based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may evolve or be removed based on feedback. Users can enable a toggle to receive updates more quickly.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (KB5055613) has been released to the Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as natural language search functionality in the Windows search box for Copilot+ PCs, allowing users to find settings easily. Additionally, the Narrator feature has been enhanced to provide detailed descriptions of images for accessibility. Other updates include improvements to widgets, fixes for issues in Settings, File Explorer, Taskbar, Desktop Icons, Input, and Graphics. Known issues include non-functionality of Quick Assist for non-administrator users and problems with the Windows Recovery Environment. Users can provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft releases KB5055523 update to fix a glut of Windows 11 problems

Microsoft has released the KB5055523 update for Windows 11, which includes various fixes and enhancements. Key improvements include a fix for the Explorer context menu issue, increased reliability of ctfmon.exe, and resolution of a Kerberos authentication problem related to RC4 encryption. New features for Copilot+ PC users include an improved Windows Search with semantic indexing, natural language search for cloud-stored photos, enhanced communication capabilities with live captions and real-time translation, and support for real-time translation into Simplified Chinese on Snapdragon-powered devices. The update also addresses issues with machine password rotation in the Identity Update Manager, updates for Daylight Saving Time in Chile, and unexpected behavior in the PcaUiArmUpdate feature. KB5055523 will be automatically installed for users.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (KB5054687) has been released to the Dev Channel. The Dev Channel has transitioned to the 26200 series builds, closing the opportunity to switch to the Beta Channel. The 26200 series is based on Windows 11, version 24H2. Enhancements to Windows Search for AMD and Intel®-powered Copilot+ PCs include semantic indexing for more intuitive searches, allowing users to find documents, photos, and settings using natural language. Users can manage indexed locations in Settings and the feature supports multiple languages and document formats. The improved Windows Search can also locate cloud-stored photos, with users needing to sign into OneDrive for access. A new feature called speech recap has been introduced in Narrator, allowing users to track what has been spoken and providing quick access to the last 500 strings spoken. A streamlined UI for unexpected restarts is being previewed. The Copilot can now be launched with Win + C, and users can personalize their experience through Settings. Click to Do is available from the Start menu and supports intelligent text actions in multiple languages. The Windows share window now includes a visual preview for shared links and image editing capabilities. Several fixes have been made to improve performance and address issues in Taskbar, File Explorer, Login and Lock, Windowing, and Settings. Known issues include problems with Recall and File Explorer crashes for some users. Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel receive updates based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and feature rollouts are monitored for feedback.