Laptop buying guide
When it comes to power and speed, Windows laptops give you performance on the go. From i7 convertible laptops to gaming laptops and 2-in-1s, find the best device for your digital life.
Back up and transfer your data with Windows Backup
Bring what you love from your old laptop to your new one. Windows Backup is built into the latest updates of Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and will save you time by moving your files and some settings and apps to your new computer when signed into your Microsoft account. With a few simple steps, your new setup will feel like home.
Set up an appointment for help
Make an appointment online with one of our Microsoft tech experts and get your questions answered. We can help with any and all of the following:
- Personal shopping. Before you buy, we can answer lingering questions about price, tech specs, and placing an order.
- Setting up your new PC. We’ll guide you through the setup process and help you personalize your computer.
- Learning how to use your new computer. We’ll teach you how to make the most of your business or personal laptop.
Trade in or recycle your old computer
If you have an eligible device, take advantage of our trade-in program to securely and responsibly recycle your PC—and get some extra cash. This resource can help you learn the trade-in value of your used device. You can also return and recycle your device responsibly with our end-of-life management and recycling initiatives.
Find your new Windows PC
Use our Help Me Choose tool and get advice on the perfect laptop for you by answering a few simple questions.
- Tools
- Every action
- Protect projects
Laptops for daily use
Looking for a basic laptop for casual, everyday use? These devices are equipped with the essentials:
- Smaller screen and laptop size (12”-14”)
- Basic features for browsing the web, checking email, and other tasks
- Security measures to protect hardware
- User-friendly interface
- Basic display features
Laptops for professionals
Whether you commute to the office or work from home, it’s important to have the tech you need to get your work done quickly and efficiently. Laptops for professionals are available with the following features:
- Smaller size for commuting, larger size for working from home
- Longer battery life
- Hardware security features
- Multitasking capabilities
- Photo and video editing
- Additional storage
Laptops for gamers
Laptops for gaming should have high performance and graphics capabilities to deliver a smooth gaming experience. The best laptops for gaming have some of these features:
- Larger, high refresh rate screen for gaming (15”-18”)
- Larger battery capacity
- Dedicated GPU for advanced graphics
- Native security features
- Additional storage
- Compatible with accessories and PC Game Pass6
Top 3 tips to save on laptops
- Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news and updates, including deals on Windows laptops.
- Install Microsoft Edge Shopping extensions for coupons, discounts, and cash-back offers on your purchases.
- If you’re a K-12 or higher education student, parent, or faculty member, purchase a Windows laptop through the Microsoft Education Store to get a student discount of up to 10% off select products, including Surface devices.
- Resolution
- Refresh rate
- Touchscreen
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels a laptop screen contains. Higher resolutions allow for sharper, more detailed images. Here is the range of resolutions:
- HD (1366 x 768)
- HD+ (1600 x 900)
- Full HD (1920 x 1080 or 1920 x 1200)
- QHD (2560 x 1440) or QHD+ (3200 x 1800)
- 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 or 3840 x 2560)
Although battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors, your laptop battery should last for eight-plus hours of video playback on average.
Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage, and other factors, but your laptop battery should last for eight-plus hours of video playback time. Depending on your device, you can customize your laptop’s settings to save battery life with options like low power mode.
Use Energy recommendations to set different power and display settings. Learn how to properly care for the battery on your Windows laptop.
Convertibles
Convertible laptops come with touchscreens and an attached keyboard. With a Windows 11 convertible laptop, simply fold the screen back to experience tablet functionality while enjoying the sturdiness of a traditional laptop. In a convertible laptop, the keyboard can’t be removed, but you can use it as a kickstand while you watch your favorite TV shows or movies.
Detachables
2-in-1 detachable laptops are touchscreens that can be paired with a removable keyboard. For projects, gaming, or multitasking, enjoy full laptop functionality by attaching the keyboard with ease. Remove the keyboard and transform your device into a tablet, allowing for even more portability. You can also get creative and jot quick ideas with a digital pen on the touchscreen while you’re computing on the go. 2-in-1 detachable laptops offer a lightweight, portable option that doesn’t sacrifice performance.
Tablets
Tablets feature a standalone touchscreen and are the most portable option. If you’re looking for a simple device for entertainment and don’t need much computing power, tablets are a great choice.
Ports
- HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface, most commonly used for transferring audio and visual information from one device to another.
- USB Type-A: What comes to mind most readily when people think about USB ports.
- USB-C®: An upgrade from USB-A ports and features more power and quicker data transfer.
- USB-C® with USB 4.0/ Thunderbolt™ 4: An oval-shaped port that can support data transfers from Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB-C® cables.
- MicroSD card reader: Allows your device to read data stored on MicroSD cards, which are used to expand the storage on smartphones, cameras, and gaming devices.
- Nano SIM: Nano SIM cards are most commonly used in smartphones but can also be used to help your device connect to Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Wi-Fi 6 technology: Creates a faster connection from your device to your router.
- WPA3 compatible: A series of security protocols for safer online activity.
Display options
- LCD: Flat panel displays with fluorescent backlights.
- LED: Flat panel displays with LED backlights.
- IPS: In-plane switching displays are characterized as having the best color and viewing angles.
- Anti-Glare: Allows you to use your device in bright light settings without a noticeable reflection.
- Infinity-Edge: A nearly borderless display that maximizes screen space.
- OLED: Capable of displaying over 60 times more colors than most LCD displays.
- Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
- Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
- 1 Phone Link experience comes preinstalled on your PC with Windows 10 (running Windows 10, May 2019 Update at the least) or Windows 11. To experience the full functionality, Android phones must be running Android 7.0 or later. Phone Link for iOS requires iPhone with iOS 14 or higher, Windows 11 device, Bluetooth connection and the latest version of the Phone Link app. Not available for iPad (iPadOS) or MacOS. Device compatibility may vary. Regional restrictions may apply.
- 2 Requires a PC with touchscreen capability.
- 3 Pen-capable tablet or PC required. Pen accessory may be sold separately.
- 4 Hardware dependent. Requires Windows PC with microphone capability.
- 5 For supported devices with latest security updates installed.
- 6 Subscription sold separately.
- 7 Available in United States only.
- 8 Windows 11 upgrade is available for eligible PCs that meet minimum device specifications. Upgrade timing may vary by device. Internet service fees may apply. Features and app availability may vary by region. Certain features require specific hardware (see Windows 11 Specifications).
- 9 Certain features require specific hardware, see Windows 11 Specifications.
- 10 Versus standard Wi-Fi. Subject to router requirements and available signal. Details at Intel Product Performance.
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