Explore laptop recommendations by use case

Find the right laptop based on your needs. Whether you're a gamer, a student or a creator, use this laptop buying guide to point you in the right direction.

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Three people, in an open, bright room with sheer curtained windows, plants and a bookshelf in the background, are leaning over a table with two open laptops to look at a large blue abstract print.

The multitasker

You’ve got a lot going on. One minute you’re browsing the web while editing documents. Later, you’re working on a spreadsheet while streaming music. Multitaskers like you need a PC that can manage everything at once without a glitch. Here are some specifications to help make that happen.

Recommended laptop specifications for multitaskers

Computer processor illustration

Processor

Mid-level

Processors like Intel® Core™ i5, Intel® Core™ i7, Intel® Core™ Ultra 5, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen™ 5, AMD Ryzen™ 7 or for Copilot+ PCs AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 200V Series 2 or Qualcomm Snapdragon® X series offer those interested in performance, speed and graphics everything they need and can even handle some gaming. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s CPU.

Computer memory illustration

RAM

8 GB to 16 GB

RAM is your computer’s memory, which affects its speed and performance. To make sure your device can keep up with you without a glitch, we recommend between 8 GB and 16 GB of RAM. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s RAM.

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Storage

128 GB to 1 TB

If you want to save a lot of photos, videos and documents on your PC, look for higher storage in the 512 GB to 1 TB range. If you prefer cloud storage, like OneDrive, look for 128 GB to 256 GB. Watch now to learn about SSD.

Computer neural processor illustration

NPU

NPU

Neural processing units (NPUs) are chips specialised for machine learning tasks. NPUs on Copilot+ PCs run at 40+ trillions of operations per second (TOPS) to provide new Copilot+ PC experiences3. Watch now to learn more about NPUs.

Computer neural processor illustration

NPU

Built for AI

The NPU in Copilot+ PCs runs over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The new NPUs in these devices deliver ultrafast performance, rich AI experiences10 and all-day battery life17. Watch now to learn more about NPUs.

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Display resolution

HD, FHD or QHD

Resolution is the number of pixels on the screen and determines the image sharpness. For example, an FHD display is 1920 x 1080 pixels, while a 4K display measures 3840 x 2160 pixels.

An array of devices sitting on a table

Find your next PC

Sleek, innovative, and exactly what you need. Find a PC that can run Windows 11 and is just for you.

  • Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
  • Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
  • 1 Hardware dependent.
  • 2 Requires a PC with touchscreen capability.
  • 3 On some devices, some Copilot+ PC experiences require free updates continuing to roll out through early 2025. Timing varies by device and region. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
  • 4 All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check with each retailer for exact offers. Products may not be available in all markets. Displayed prices are current lowest prices offered by stated retailers and are subject to change. Prices are not offered by Microsoft unless stated.
  • 5 Optimised for English text prompts. Requires Microsoft account and internet connection to access cloud services that help ensure the responsible use of AI. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
  • 6 Requires Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security. Coming to the European Economic Area later in 2025. Optimised for selected languages (English, Chinese [Simplified], French, German, Japanese and Spanish). Content-based and storage limitations apply. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
  • 7 Listed battery life for each computer is provided by manufacturers or retailers unless otherwise stated. Please check individual specifications on retailer or manufacturer site for full battery life details. Battery life varies with settings, usage and other factors.
  • 9 Based on Speedometer benchmark. Performance will vary significantly by device. See aka.ms/w11claims.
  • 10 Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and market and may require updates continuing to roll out through 2025; timing varies. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
  • 11 Surface battery life varies significantly based on usage, network and feature configuration, signal strength, settings and other factors. See Surface battery testing and estimated performance - Microsoft Support for details.
  • 12 Copilot on Windows: May require Windows Update or app download from the Microsoft Store.
  • 13 Available now on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon® X Series processors and on other devices starting mid-2025. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
  • 14 Available now on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon® X Series processors and on other devices starting mid-2025. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
  • 15 Available image and text actions vary by device, region, language and character set. Subscription required for some actions. Click to Do (preview) coming to the European Economic Area later in 2025. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
  • 16 Translation for video and audio subtitles from 40+ languages into English and from 27 languages into Chinese (Simplified). See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
  • 17 Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors. See aka.ms/cpclaims for details about the battery capabilities of Copilot+ PCs.
  • 18 Works with specific text, image and document formats only; optimised for select languages (English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish). See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.