Copilot Plus set to debut on desktop PCs: Intel Arrow Lake Refresh unlocks Microsoft’s full AI experience beyond laptops

The arrival of Copilot Plus on desktops marks a pivotal moment for AI integration in traditional PCs.

For months, Copilot Plus has been positioned as a premium AI suite available only on select laptops and mini-PCs, thanks to Microsoft’s strict requirement for high neural processing power—around 40 TOPS. With the announcement of Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake Refresh desktop CPUs, scheduled for late 2025, this barrier is set to fall. Intel’s new chips will feature the NPU 4 architecture, finally delivering the AI performance Microsoft demands for its advanced Copilot Plus features. This update signals a major expansion, making Copilot Plus natively accessible on standard desktop workstations for the first time.

Microsoft’s AI strategy is reshaping the Windows hardware landscape, with Copilot Plus at the core.

Until now, Microsoft’s most ambitious AI features—such as Recall, Click-to-Do, and local content generation—have required specialized silicon, available only in a limited subset of laptops, tablets, and all-in-ones. The migration to desktops not only broadens access to these tools but also redefines expectations for what a modern Windows PC can do. By working with hardware partners like ASUS and Geekom, Microsoft is actively encouraging the production of AI-first PCs, many of which will soon include dedicated Copilot buttons and optimized NPU configurations. The expansion of Copilot Plus to desktops shows that AI capabilities are becoming a foundational element of the Windows ecosystem, rather than an exclusive perk for ultra-portable devices.

AI comes first, but gamers may have to wait for next-gen improvements.

The new Arrow Lake Refresh processors emphasize NPU performance rather than boosting CPU or GPU cores. This means that, for AI and productivity workflows, desktop PCs will finally deliver the fast, on-device Copilot Plus experience that power users want—without relying on cloud APIs or remote inference. However, Intel’s focus on AI acceleration means that gaming performance is likely to remain unchanged compared to previous generations. Intel itself has acknowledged that true CPU and GPU gains may not arrive until the launch of the Nova Lake family, expected in 2026. As a result, while creators and professionals will benefit from seamless AI features, dedicated gamers may see little immediate improvement.

The Copilot Plus rollout on desktops is part of a wider industry shift toward AI-first computing.

The introduction of Arrow Lake Refresh is not just about one product line, but rather reflects a broader transformation of the PC industry. At CES and throughout 2025, nearly every major OEM has demonstrated systems designed specifically for Copilot Plus and the Windows AI stack. As Microsoft extends Copilot Plus beyond laptops, it is accelerating the adoption of neural-accelerated workflows, making AI tools like Recall and generative content editing available across every form factor. This strategy positions Windows 11 as the central platform for AI-powered productivity and creativity—setting a new baseline for what users can expect from their computers, whether at home or in the enterprise.

The bottom line: Copilot Plus for desktops signals the mainstreaming of on-device AI in the Windows world.

With Intel Arrow Lake Refresh, the technical prerequisites for Copilot Plus will be met by desktop CPUs, allowing a vast new segment of Windows users to benefit from local AI features. This expansion marks a turning point: AI is no longer just for flagship laptops, but is becoming integral to the entire Windows experience. Gamers and power users alike can look forward to a richer, smarter operating environment, even if top-tier gaming improvements will come with the next generation.

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