Even the best drivers need the right vehicle to get ahead in the race, right? The same goes for Copilot for Microsoft 365! Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that can really boost your productivity by integrating seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps. But if you’re trying to run it on an outdated device, you’re not going to get the most out of it. Let’s break down what your device needs to run Copilot smoothly.
Processing Power: Get a Beefy CPU
What Kind of Processor Do You Need?
Copilot uses advanced AI and machine learning, so it needs some serious processing power. Here’s the lowdown:
- Minimum: Intel Core i5 8th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5 series. These will get you started.
- Recommended: Aim for an Intel Core i7 10th Gen or higher, or an AMD Ryzen 7 series. These will give you a much better experience.
Why Multi-core Processors Matter
Copilot loves multi-core processors because they can handle multiple tasks at once. So, if you have a quad-core CPU or higher, you’re in good shape.
Memory (RAM): More is more!
How Much RAM Is Enough?
Running Copilot alongside other apps can eat up a lot of memory. Here’s what you need:
- Minimum: 8 GB of RAM. This is the bare minimum.
- Recommended: 16 GB of RAM or more. This will keep things running smoothly.
Storage: SSD Is the Way to Go
SSD vs. HDD
You’ll want your device to be snappy, and that’s where SSDs come in:
- Recommended: A Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 256 GB of storage. SSDs are much faster than the old-school Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which means quicker boot times and faster access to your files.
Operating System: It’s All About Windows 11
Why Windows 11?
Copilot is designed to take advantage of the latest features in Windows 11. So, your device needs to be able to run it. Here’s what that means:
- Secure Boot capable
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version 2.0
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
Windows 11 Requirements
Make sure your device ticks these boxes for Windows 11:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
- Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum (though you’ll want more for Copilot).
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
- System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: TPM version 2.0.
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
- Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p).
Optimal Hardware Specs: Going Above and Beyond
If you want the best experience with Copilot, here’s what to aim for:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 11th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series.
- Memory: 16 GB or more.
- Storage: 512 GB SSD or larger.
- Graphics: A dedicated graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5600.
Other Important Stuff
Internet Connection
Since Copilot uses cloud-based AI services, a good internet connection is key:
- Minimum: 10 Mbps download speed.
- Recommended: 25 Mbps or higher for smooth performance.
Peripherals
Make sure your device supports like microphones and cameras if you want to use voice commands or video-based AI features.
Keep It Updated
Regular updates for Windows, drivers, and firmware are crucial for security and performance. Don’t skip these!
Wrapping It Up
Meeting these device requirements will ensure that you can run Copilot for Microsoft 365 effectively, allowing you to fully enjoy its powerful AI capabilities. If you’re ready to start your Copilot journey, a device refresh may be the best place to start. By investing in the right hardware and keeping your system up to date, you’ll be ready to make the most of everything Copilot has to offer. Happy productivity boosting!
If you’d like advice on Copilot tailored to your business and specific needs, our team is on hand to assist. Get in touch to arrange a consultation.