Earlier this month, Microsoft unveiled an array of innovative AI-driven features set to enhance the experience for Windows Insiders using Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD processors. Among these advancements, the much-anticipated image upscaling feature, known as Super Resolution, made its debut for Windows Insiders just last week.
Clarification on Feature Availability
However, shortly after its launch, users discovered that Super Resolution, which was designed exclusively for Copilot+ PCs, unexpectedly appeared on traditional x86-based systems equipped with Intel and AMD processors. In response to this confusion, Microsoft promptly addressed the situation in an updated blog post, confirming that the occurrence was indeed a bug, which has since been rectified.
We investigated and fixed an issue where super resolution was appearing on PCs it shouldn’t be. The fix is rolling out now.
The core reason behind the limitation of Super Resolution to newer Copilot+ PCs lies in the utilization of Neural Processing Units (NPUs). Microsoft explained that the Super Resolution feature in the Photos app harnesses the power of NPUs found in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors, enabling rapid enhancements without the need to upload images to the cloud for processing.
Super resolution leverages the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on the Copilot+ PC to deliver enhancements quickly and efficiently, all done locally on your PC. You can access super resolution from the Photos Editor to enhance your images within seconds.
With Super Resolution, users can enlarge their photos by up to eight times. The process is straightforward: simply open any image in the Photos app, select the Super Resolution option, and choose your desired scale.
For those fortunate enough to own a Copilot+ PC and eager to experience Super Resolution ahead of its broader release, enrollment in one of four Insider channels is required, along with updating the Photos app to version 2024.11100.17007.0 or a more recent iteration. Further details regarding this feature can be found in a dedicated post on the official Windows Blog.
