The Slow Adoption of Copilot+ PCs

Despite the hype surrounding Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs, their integration into the enterprise world has been disappointingly sluggish. IT decision-makers are prioritizing other pressing needs over the exclusive Windows AI features these high-end laptops offer.

What Are Copilot+ PCs?

Launched in Spring 2024, Copilot+ PCs feature built-in Neural Processing Units (NPUs) designed to handle over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). In contrast, previous high-end laptops from Intel managed just 11 TOPS. Initially powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series, these AI-driven machines are now rolling out with Intel and AMD alternatives, lining the shelves with even more options.

A Glimpse Into the Features

Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs are equipped with an array of AI-powered features aimed at enhancing user experience. Features like 'Recall' take screenshots of user activity to help answer queries, raising serious privacy concerns despite improved security measures. Others, like 'Cocreator' in Paint and 'Click to Do,' allow for user interaction in novel ways, but their relevance in professional settings remains debatable.

Lackluster Business Reception

Canalys Research Manager Kieren Jessop reports that businesses have greeted Copilot+ PCs with mixed reactions. Most deployments are limited pilot programs rather than widespread adoptions, with a recent survey revealing only 33% of IT decision-makers consider AI features a priority.

Market Penetration Remains Limited

In Q2 2025, Europe saw 1.2 million AI-capable PCs shipped, but a mere 9% were Copilot+ devices. While this marks a slight uptick from previous quarters, analysts downplay its significance in a market where total sales of AI-capable PCs remain underwhelming.

High Costs and Limited Use Cases

Experts note that high prices and a lack of clear use cases for Copilot+ PCs are impediments to adoption. Businesses focusing on immediate performance rather than future-proofing remain skeptical of these devices. The costly technology offers only limited benefits in work environments where established software is the norm.

The Future of On-Device AI Processing

Despite the tepid reception, some industry insiders suggest that Copilot+ PCs might see more traction as businesses begin to explore new AI applications in the future. TECHnalysis is currently surveying enterprise customers, and early feedback shows an increasing interest in NPUs.

Comparative Views from the Market

Meanwhile, Dell and Intel’s findings indicate a potential shift, with 62% of UK IT decision-makers expressing a preference for Copilot+ PCs over regular models. However, performance and battery life trump AI capabilities in practical considerations.

Conclusion: A Future to Watch

Though Copilot+ PCs are not winning over enterprises at present, their advanced capabilities and potential to redefine workflows make them a technology to watch. The industry's focus is shifting toward robust performance and battery life, leaving the fate of on-device AI processing in a tentative position.