Explore laptop recommendations by use case
Find the right laptop based on your needs. Whether you're a gamer, student, or creator, use this laptop buying guide to point you in the right direction.
- The multitasker
- The student
- The creator
- The gamer
- The AI enthusiast
- The entertainment fan
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.
Recommended laptop specifications for multitaskers
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.
Best laptops for multitaskers
Choose a laptop or PC that can keep up with you. Explore the best laptops for multitasking. Check each device to make sure you find one that meets your specific needs.
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.
Recommended student laptop specifications
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 specialized 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.
Interactive screen
TouchscreenWith a touchscreen PC, you can feel like you’re really in control by navigating the screen with your fingers and creating customized 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.
Best laptops for students
Find the best laptops for studying, writing, editing, and more. Check each device to make sure you find one that meets your specific needs.
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.
Recommended laptop specifications for creators
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. 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
NPUNeural processing units (NPUs) are chips specialized 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.
Display resolution
QHD to 4KVisual creators will want a high display resolution to get the sharpest images. We recommend a QHD, or 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 customized gestures for your most used actions.2
Best laptops for creators
Explore laptops that can help bring your creative pursuits to life. Check each device to make sure you find one that meets your specific needs.
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.
Recommended specifications for gaming laptops
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.
Best laptops for gaming
These gaming PCs combine optimal display resolution, RAM, graphics, and processors for the best gaming experience. Check each device to make sure you find one that meets your specific needs.
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.
Recommended laptop specifications for AI enthusiasts
Processor
AI optimizedProcessors 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 to 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
NPUNeural processing units (NPUs) are chips specialized 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 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 customized 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.
Best laptops for AI enthusiasts
Discover the best AI PCs to help you stay productive, creative, and more. Check each device to make sure you find one that meets your specific needs.
The entertainment fan
If you plan to store movie, 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.
Recommended laptop specifications for entertainment
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 to 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, movies, or games with big files on your PC, we recommend you get between 256 GB to 1 TB+ of storage. Watch now to learn more about your computer’s SSD.
NPU
NPUNeural processing units (NPUs) are chips specialized 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.
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.
Best laptops for entertainment
Whether you’re shopping or streaming, the right PC can help you do it all. Explore some of the best laptops for entertainment. Check each device to make sure you find one that meets your specific needs.
Find your next PC
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