Windows 11 Copilot Plus Update: Expanding AI Features to AMD & Intel PCs

Microsoft is shifting gears with an update that promises to reshape the way Windows 11 users harness the power of AI. No longer a preserve of Snapdragon-powered devices, the latest rollout of Copilot Plus features is now expanding its reach to eligible AMD and Intel-powered PCs. This evolution not only spreads the magic of AI across a broader range of hardware but also reinforces Microsoft’s ambition to merge intelligent software with everyday productivity.

The Evolution of Windows Copilot+​

For months, Copilot Plus—Microsoft’s flagship AI-powered assistant—was seen as the exclusive playground of Qualcomm Snapdragon devices. Early adopters enjoyed tools that transformed everyday computing, but many Windows enthusiasts were left wondering if these advanced capabilities would ever extend to the more traditional Intel and AMD systems they relied on. The answer is a resounding yes. Microsoft’s decision to roll out these features to AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra processors breaks down the old hardware silos, paving the way for a more universally smart Windows 11 experience.
This strategic pivot not only democratizes access to cutting-edge AI but also optimizes the value of hardware that many users already own. By requiring support for 40+ tera operations per second (TOPS) through dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs), Microsoft ensures that only PCs with serious computational muscle get the full Copilot Plus experience. This move underscores a broader vision where the synergy between hardware and software fuels a leap forward in everyday computing.

Unlocking New AI Features on Your PC​

The excitement around this update stems not just from its expanded compatibility but from the suite of innovative features it brings. Here’s a look at some of the marquee capabilities now available on eligible AMD and Intel-powered systems:

• Live Translation and Live Captions
  Imagine joining a global video conference where multiple languages fly across the screen, yet every spoken word is instantly rendered into your preferred language. With enhanced Live Translation, the system converts audio into real-time captions, supporting up to 44 languages. Whether it’s a business call, a webinar, or even your favorite international film, this feature ensures that communication barriers crumble away. It’s like having a built-in interpreter at your beck and call—making cross-cultural collaboration less about guessing and more about understanding.
• Cocreator in Paint
  Gone are the days when Microsoft Paint was just a tool for doodles. The new Cocreator feature leverages AI to transform rough sketches into refined works of art. By interpreting text prompts or simple drawings, this tool empowers both casual users and professional designers to unlock new dimensions of creativity with minimal effort.
• Restyle Image and Image Creator
  These features offer a playful yet powerful way to enhance your visual content. With Restyle Image, users can apply artistic filters to photos, giving them a fresh, out-of-the-box look. Meanwhile, the Image Creator tool takes a text prompt and conjures up visuals from scratch—ushering in a creative revolution for digital content that was once the exclusive domain of professional graphics software.
• Upcoming Voice Access Enhancements
  Although currently a Snapdragon-only feature, Voice Access is slated to expand to Intel and AMD platforms soon. This will enable users to control their PCs naturally through voice commands, promoting both hands-free accessibility and improved productivity.

For those keen to experience these enhancements, the update is as simple as navigating to Settings > Windows Update and hitting the “Check for updates” button. In just a few steps, your device transforms into a platform ready to tap into the future of computing.

Technical Insights: How Hardware Meets AI​

At the heart of these innovations lies a blend of high-performance hardware and smart software. Microsoft’s update makes it clear that the next generation of AI isn’t just about algorithms—it’s about the silicon too.

• Dedicated NPUs and TOPS Requirements
  Eligible devices must come equipped with NPUs capable of 40+ TOPS, a benchmark that ensures seamless performance of AI tasks. This hardware-centric requirement means that tasks like real-time translation and image processing don’t just run—they fly. Such performance improvements highlight how far modern PCs have come. More importantly, it levels the playing field for AMD and Intel systems that are often found in both business and home environments.
• Enhanced System Integration
  By integrating these AI functions directly into the operating system, Microsoft is moving away from reliance on cloud processing. This has several advantages: faster response times, improved privacy since data is processed locally, and the ability to function even without an internet connection. The paradigm shift toward local processing promises a smoother, more reliable experience—almost as if your PC is whispering, “I got this” at every command.
• Optimized for Modern Workloads
  Whether you’re editing photos in real time, managing multiple applications simultaneously, or joining a multilingual meeting, these enhancements are tuned for modern, multitasking environments. The careful alignment of software capabilities and hardware potential underscores Microsoft’s commitment to a future where everyday computing is nothing short of revolutionary.

Implications for the Modern Windows User​

Expanding Copilot Plus to AMD and Intel-powered PCs marks more than just a technical update—it’s a transformative experience for users. Here are some of the profound implications:

• Breaking Down Barriers to Communication
  With Live Translation, language is no longer a limitation. For global businesses or remote teams spread across continents, the ability to automatically translate dialog into your native language promotes seamless collaboration and inclusivity. It’s a feature that could redefine how we conduct international meetings and remote work sessions.
• Boosting Creative Productivity
  The new suite of creative tools, from Cocreator in Paint to image enhancement features, democratizes artistic expression on a scale previously reserved for high-end design software. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional content creator, these enhancements promise to streamline workflows and inspire new forms of digital creativity.
• Enhanced Accessibility
  Live Captions and Voice Access enhancements mark an important step toward inclusive design. For users with hearing impairments or those who rely on assistive technologies, these tools ensure that Windows 11 remains accessible and responsive to diverse needs and abilities. A system that can transcribe speech in real time and even control the interface through natural language is a game changer in digital accessibility.
• Elevating Everyday Productivity
  Imagine having a digital assistant that not only responds to your commands but anticipates your needs based on your past interactions. With features like Recall—designed to remember previous activities and streamline navigation—users are looking at a future where mundane tasks are handled intuitively, letting you focus on what really matters. It’s productivity on a new scale, making your PC an indispensable partner in your daily workflow.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI-Powered Windows​

As Microsoft gradually rolls out these updates, early impressions suggest that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The expansion of Copilot Plus features to Intel and AMD platforms is a signal of bigger things to come.

• Next-Generation Convenience
  Future enhancements are likely to focus on further bridging the gap between natural language and machine processing. This might include deeper integration of semantic search capabilities, enabling users to find files or settings more intuitively by asking in plain language how they would describe their needs. The shift from keyword-based searches to a more context-driven approach could revolutionize the very way we interact with our devices.
• Continuous Improvement Through Insider Feedback
  Microsoft has a reputation for fine-tuning features through the Windows Insider Program. As more users on AMD and Intel platforms experience the new post-update features, feedback will drive iterative improvements. This ongoing dialogue between the company and its users ensures that the final product will be as robust, intuitive, and responsive as possible.
• A Future-Proof Ecosystem
  With every update, Microsoft is not just adding features but reshaping the ecosystem. The expansion of AI capabilities is setting the stage for a time when cross-platform compatibility becomes the norm rather than the exception. This promises a future where whether you’re using a Snapdragon-powered Surface or an AMD/Intel machine from your local office, the experience remains consistent, secure, and smart.

Conclusion​

Microsoft’s rollout of Copilot Plus features to eligible AMD and Intel-powered PCs is more than just an update—it’s a bold statement about the future of Windows 11. By extending powerful AI functionalities such as Live Translation, enhanced creative tools, and intuitive accessibility options to a broader range of hardware, Microsoft is dismantling old barriers and forging an inclusive, high-performance ecosystem.
For the everyday Windows user, this means a device that not only keeps pace with modern demands but also anticipates and adapts to them. Whether it's seamless multilingual communication, dynamic creative productivity, or reimagined accessibility, the new Copilot Plus update exemplifies how advanced AI can truly transform the way we interact with our PCs.
Keep your system updated, explore these features, and join the conversation on how AI is redefining everyday computing. After all, in a world where even your PC can become a savvy personal assistant, the future of work—and play—just got a whole lot brighter.

---

Source: Business Standard https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/microsoft-brings-copilot-plus-features-to-eligible-amd-intel-powered-pcs-125040100349_1.html