Shopping for a new PC can be hard. But with just a few short questions, this quiz can help you narrow down your search and help you find the best Windows laptop or PC based on your needs.
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What will you use your PC for most?
We know you do a lot on your PC, but please choose up to two of your top activities to find the best laptop or PC.
Entertainment
I want a streaming PC so I can store and play my favourite music and films on my PC.
Gaming
I need a gaming PC that’s powerful enough to handle my gaming needs, including sophisticated graphics, and multitasking.
Work or school
I’ll be using this PC for work or school, so it needs to make reliable video calls and make document sharing easy.
Creating
I want to bring my creations to life on my PC, so I need a large screen, flexible ways to work and storage.
Family
My family will be using this PC, so it needs to be able to handle multiple users who game, browse and stream.
How you want to use your PC is a great way to determine what kind of computer specifications you should consider. Higher RAM and a higher-level processor are good for avid gaming and creating, while casual streamers or students can choose lower tiers of both.
How would you describe your workload?
Choose one.
Light workload
I mostly work with basic programs and documents, or I don’t use my PC for work at all.
Heavy workload
I multitask with a lot of large documents and added-on programs.
The processor (CPU) is like the computer’s brain; it tells the other parts of the computer what to do. The more programs and documents you use at the same time, the higher level of processor you’ll need to keep everything running smoothly.
How would you describe your web browsing?
Choose one.
Light web browsing
I prefer to shop, connect and search with a few tabs open.
Heavy web browsing
I like to browse multiple sites and have many tabs open all at once.
Browsing the internet is one of the most popular activities we do on a computer. If you like browsing several sites at once, consider a computer with a larger display to see everything clearly in front of you.
How would you describe your photo or video editing skills?
Choose one.
Beginner editing skills
I don’t edit my photos and videos, or I only know the basics.
Intermediate to advanced editing skills
I edit professionally or with more advanced software.
If you find yourself editing a lot of photos and videos a PC with more gigabytes (GB) of storage is important, as you’ll want to save your work and potentially larger files.
How would you describe the types of games you play?
Choose one.
Simple and basic
I play popular online games with straightforward graphics like Candy Crush and Minecraft.
Complex and realistic
I play immersive games with more sophisticated graphics like Forza and Halo.
Gamers who love to get lost in the narrative should consider a discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU). They’re larger and more powerful to process detailed and realistic game graphics.
Where do you plan to use your PC?
Choose one.
Always at my desk
I want to set up and use my PC in a single place like my home or office.
At home, but I move around
I mostly want to use my PC at home, but I also want to be able to take it to a café or library.
From powerful desktops to compact laptops to 2-in-1 hybrids, there’s a Windows PC that fits all your needs—all you have to do is decide where you want to log on.
Where do you primarily store your digital files?
Choose one.
In the cloud
I store most of my files on a cloud-based platform like OneDrive.
On my PC
I prefer to store my files locally for easy access.
Storing files locally, or on your computer, makes them easy to access. Storing files “in the cloud” means your files are on servers that you access through the internet, so you need less storage on your PC, and you can access your files from multiple devices.
What's most important to you when looking for a PC?
Choose one.
Larger screen size
I want a larger screen for better clarity and visuals.
Interactive screen
I’m looking for a PC that has a touchscreen or is compatible with a digital pen.
Portability
I’m looking for a lightweight and compact PC that I can take anywhere.
Performance
I want a PC designed for speed, performance and multitasking.
Security
I'm looking for a PC that lets me log in securely with just a glance using my face or a fingerprint scan.
I’m not sure yet
I’m not sure what’s most important to me at the moment.
Windows Hello. Digital pens. Larger screen sizes. There's a long list of Windows PC features to choose from, just remember that they can influence the price.
Our Windows PC recommendations
Our Windows PC recommendations
Based on your answers to the Windows quiz, these are the kinds of computer specifications we think you should look for in your next Windows PC.3
Laptop
Windows laptops offer speed, power and portability, and come in a number of screen sizes and storage options.
2-in-1
Enjoy the structure of a laptop and the flexibility of a tablet with 2-in-1s that fold in half and adapt to your needs.
All-in-one
All-in-ones combine the traditional monitor and computer tower set-up into a singular, stylish and sleek device.
Desktop
Gaming desktop with a monitorCustomise your set-up with a powerful gaming desktop and a monitor that meets your gaming needs.
Computer specifications
Processor
Graphics
dGPU
RAM
RAM is your computer’s memory. It affects the speed and performance of your PC. 8 GB is fine for light browsing and most tasks. But for photo/video editing or gaming, you might need closer to 16 GB or more.
Storage
If you want to save a lot of photos, videos and documents on your PC, look for higher storage. If you tend to store more in the cloud, you may not need as much storage.
Security feature
Windows HelloWindows Hello is a fast and secure way to access Windows 11 devices with a PIN, facial recognition or fingerprint.1
Interactive screen
Windows InkWith a touchscreen capable PC, you can tap and swipe just like you do on your smartphone. Windows Ink lets you take control of your notes and drawings with a digital pen.2
Interactive screen
TouchscreenWith a touchscreen PC, you can feel like you’re really in control by navigating the screen with your fingers and creating customised gestures for your most used actions.5
Display resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels on the screen and determines the image sharpness. For example, an HD display is 1920 x 1080 pixels, while a 4K display measures 3840 x 2160 pixels.
Ready to start shopping? Visit these retailers.4
Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
1
Requires specialised hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IT sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.
2
Pen-capable tablet or PC required. Pen accessory may be sold separately.
3
Specific combinations of devices and features may not be available in all markets. Please check with each seller for current PC availability.
4
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