Windows 11 now includes AI features beyond the Copilot taskbar icon. Some work on most updated Windows 11 PCs, while others require a newer Copilot+ PC with a dedicated AI chip.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you hear Windows 11 described as full of AI and want to know which features are actually available on your computer and which require special hardware.
Features that need a Copilot+ PC
Check Settings > System > About to see whether your device is listed as a Copilot+ PC.
- Recall saves searchable snapshots of your activity so you can find something you saw earlier. It is off by default, requires setup, uses Windows Hello to view snapshots, and can be managed under Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots.
- Click to Do lets you select text or images on screen and use quick AI actions such as summarizing, extracting text, or opening content in another app.
- Windows Studio Effects uses the NPU to improve camera calls with background blur, automatic framing, and eye contact correction. Look under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras.
- Cocreator in Paint combines your typed prompt with a rough drawing and generates a refined image using on-device AI. Paint also has separate image-creation features that may behave differently.
- Photos features such as Super Resolution and Restyle can upscale images or apply artistic styles on supported Copilot+ PCs.
Features available on most Windows 11 PCs
These generally need updated apps, not special Copilot+ hardware.
- Generative erase in Photos can remove an unwanted object or person and fill the background more naturally than a simple blur. Open Photos, choose Edit, and look for the erase tool.
- Live Captions can caption audio playing on your PC. Press Win + Ctrl + L to start basic captions on supported Windows 11 systems. Live translation features may still require Copilot+ hardware.
More control
Review Recall before enabling it
Recall is designed around local, encrypted snapshots protected by Windows Hello, and Microsoft says the snapshots are not uploaded to train AI models. Even so, it is intentionally capturing screen activity. Exclude sensitive apps such as password managers, banking apps, private chats, or work systems you do not want recorded.
No Copilot+ PC means no workaround
If your PC does not show Copilot+ PC in system information, features such as Recall, Click to Do, and some on-device image tools will not appear just because Windows is updated. They depend on the built-in NPU hardware.
Rollouts can vary
Microsoft often releases AI features by region, device class, Windows Insider channel, and app update. If your eligible PC is missing a feature, check Windows Update and Microsoft Store app updates.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Retrace your steps with Recall (2026)
- Microsoft Support – Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs (2026)
- Microsoft Support – Generative fill and erase in Photos (2026)