Copilot+ laptops arrived in force at CES 2026…just as Windows left NPUs behind

Months ago, Microsoft announced that every Windows 11 PC would be an “AI PC”, even the non-Copilot+ ones. Then why is everyone pushing Copilot+ AI PCs at CES 2026? The industry finally caught up to Microsoft’s Copilot+ requirements—with a big NPU push from Intel in particular—but Microsoft isn’t explaining why we should care.

I’m seeing a wave of Copilot+ PCs at CES 2026, but it feels like they’re chasing an AI PC strategy that Microsoft has already abandoned. With Microsoft now downplaying...