PC and Laptop Buying Guide: Find the Right Computer

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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.

Processor

Mid-levelYou need a processor that can keep up with everything you do on your PC. We recommend processors like the Intel® Core™ i5 or i7, Core™ Ultra 5 or 7 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 or 7. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s CPU.

RAM

8 GB to 16 GBRAM 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.

Storage

128 GB to 1 TBIf 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.

Display resolution

HD to FHDResolution is the number of pixels on the screen and determines the image sharpness. For your needs, we recommend looking for an FHD display.

Two people sitting on a sofa and looking at a laptop together with potted plants in the background

The student

When buying a PC, students need a laptop that can help them excel in the classroom. From multitasking and safety to storage, use these specifications as a guideline when you shop for a new device.

Processor

Mid-levelProcessors like Intel® Core™ i5, Intel® Core™ i7, Intel® Core™ Ultra 5, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7, or AMD Ryzen™ 5, AMD Ryzen™ 7 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.

RAM

8 GB to 16 GB+RAM is your computer’s memory, which affects its speed and performance. 8 GB is fine for light browsing and most tasks, but we recommend you get 8 GB to 16 GB RAM to support your needs. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s RAM.

Storage

256 GB to 1 TB+If you want to save a lot of photos, videos and documents on your PC, look for higher storage. If you tend to keep more in the cloud, you may not need as much storage. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s SSD.

NPU

NPUNeural 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 experiences³⁵. Watch now to learn more about NPUs.

Security feature

Windows HelloWindows Hello is a faster, more personal, more secure way to get instant access to your Windows devices using only your facial recognition, fingerprint¹, or a PIN – there’s no password to remember.

Finger touching computer screen illustration

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.²

Display resolution

HD, FHD or QHDResolution 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.

A woman in an art studio holding up a framed flower print with her right hand while looking at pictures on an open laptop to her left

The creator

If graphic design, video editing or music production are your thing, you need a PC that can handle your creativity. From storage and memory for your large audio and video files to high-resolution display for sharp visuals, we recommend specifications like these for your next PC.

Processor

RAM

8 GB to 16 GB+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 or video editing, you might need closer to 16 GB. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s RAM.

Storage

256 GB to 1 TB+If you want to save a lot of photos, videos and documents on your PC, look for higher storage. If you tend to keep more of your creative files in the cloud, you may not need as much storage. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s SSD.

Graphics

dGPUThe discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) helps perform graphically intense tasks for creative pursuits. Depending on the programs you use, a dGPU may be required. Check the system requirements for the programs you plan to use. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s dGPU.

NPU

Display resolution

QHD to 4KVisual creators will want a high display resolution to get the sharpest images. We recommend a QHD, a Quad HD or 4K display for the best experience.

Interactive screen

Touchscreen (optional)With 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.²

A person sitting on a sofa looking at PC games on an open laptop with a bean bag, amp, shelf and potted plant in the background.

The gamer

If you love gaming, you need a PC that can keep up with the high performance and graphics capabilities you’ll need for a smooth gaming experience. When shopping for a new device, we recommend you look for these specifications.

Processor

AdvancedGamers need advanced processors with high gaming frame rates and cutting-edge features, like the Intel® Core™ i7, Intel® Core™ i9, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7, Intel® Core™ Ultra 9, or AMD Ryzen™ 7, AMD Ryzen™ 9. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s CPU.

RAM

16 GB to 64 GBRAM is your computer’s memory. It affects the speed and performance of your PC. 8 GB is fine for many tasks. But for gaming or streaming, you might need closer to 16 GB of RAM. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s RAM.

Storage

512 GB to 2 TB+Game files take up space. If you’re going to keep them alongside photos, videos and more on your PC, we suggest 512 GB-2 TB+ of storage. If you use cloud storage for content other than your game files, you may not need as much. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s SSD.

Graphics

dGPUYou need support for intense graphics. We recommend a discrete graphics processing unit (dGPU) like NVIDIA® GeForce RTX®, AMD Radeon™ RX or Intel® Arc™. Game requirements may vary. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s dGPU.

Display resolution

FHD, QHD or 4KSharp pictures and high-contrast images matter when you’re gaming. To get the best visual experience, look for a high-resolution screen like an FHD, QHD or 4K display.

A man sitting at a table and working on a laptop with several plants, a dresser and framed art prints in the background.

The AI enthusiast

Want to leverage AI to its fullest? You’re going to need power and the right components to ensure smooth performance. From graphics to memory, storage, and more, these are the specifications we recommend for your next AI-powered PC.

Processor

AI optimisedProcessors like Qualcomm Snapdragon® X series offer those interested in performance, speed, graphics and a built-in NPU for AI processing. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s CPU.

RAM

16 GB+RAM is your computer’s memory, which affects its speed and performance. These PCs have 16 GB+ to help with everyday tasks and smooth AI experiences. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s RAM.

Storage

256 GB to 1 TB+If you want to save a lot of photos, videos and documents on your PC, we suggest between 256 GB and 1 TB+ of storage. If you prefer to use cloud storage, you may need less. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s SSD.

NPU

Security feature

Windows HelloWindows Hello is a fast and secure way to access Windows 11 devices and Copilot+ PCs with a PIN, facial recognition or fingerprint.¹

Interactive screen

Touchscreen (optional)With 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.²

Display resolution

FHD, QHD to 4KResolution is the number of pixels on the screen and determines the image sharpness. You’ll want a resolution that supports AI experiences. Look for FHD, QHD or 4K displays.

Four people are lounging in a living room. Two of the people are looking at an open laptop while sitting on the floor and lying on a beanbag and the other two are looking at another open laptop while lounging on the sofa.

The entertainment fan

If you plan to store video, music and game files on your next PC, you’ll need storage and memory that can manage it. Will your PC be your TV? You’ll want a display that’ll make the images pop. Here are some specifications that can help you find the best PC for your entertainment needs.

Processor

Mid-levelThe right processor will let you get immersed in media and games without interruption. Get performance, speed and graphics support with the Intel® Core™ i5 or i7, Intel® Core™ Ultra 5, Intel® Core™ Ultra 7, AMD Ryzen™ 5 or 7 or Qualcomm Snapdragon® X series. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s CPU.

RAM

8 GB to 16 GB+RAM is your computer’s memory, which affects its speed and performance. We recommend getting between 8 GB and 16 GB+ of RAM for the best entertainment experiences. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s RAM.

Storage

256 GB to 1 TB+If you want to save a lot of photos, films or games with big files on your PC, we recommend you get between 256 GB and 1 TB+ of storage. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s SSD.

NPU

Display resolution

FHD, QHD or 4KYou’ll want a high-resolution display with more pixels per screen to get sharper images when streaming media and gaming. We recommend an FHD, QHD, OLED or 4K display.

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 Available Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and region and over time.
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 Copilot+ PC experiences are coming. Requires free updates available starting late November 2024. Timing varies by device and region.
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.
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.

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The multitasker

Recommended laptop specifications for multitaskers

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