Preparing for a new Windows laptop
Back up and transfer your data with OneDrive
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 set-up process and help you personalise your computer.
- Learning how to use your new computer. We’ll teach you how to make the most of your business or personal laptop.
Recycle your old computer
Which laptop fits my needs?
Find your new Windows PC
Why choose a Windows laptop?
Mac® vs. Windows laptops
Tools worthy of your talents
Creativity apps for effortless expression, Microsoft Phone Link to access your phone from your PC, and snap layouts to keep it all neat on screen – Windows 11 has what you need to get it done with style and speed.
- Snap can get your whole project on one screen
- Phone Link lets you use your iPhone® or Android™ phone from your PC – no need to divide your attention between two devices 1
- Creativity apps like Photos app and Clipchamp give you more ways to express yourself
- Balance work with PC gaming
Every action, more reaction
Easy set-up makes transferring files and preferences simple, so you can start strong. Touchscreen 2 , digital pen 3 and voice access 4 ensure you keep that momentum going by giving you more ways to work your way.
- Easy set-up brings your preferences over from a previous PC
- Touch, pen and voice allow for more flexibility when creating
Keep your projects protected
You put a lot of time and passion into your work. That’s why Windows 11 comes with the advanced security you need to help keep those files out of peril. 5
- Windows Security helps protect the files you work on with advanced antivirus, malware protection, and more
- Windows Hello enables harder-to-hack biometric security that doesn’t rely on passwords
- Microsoft Defender app with a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription 6 provides identity theft protection 7 alongside your built-in malware detection, and extends it to other devices like your phone
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 work
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 Pass 6
Price and budget
Tips to save on laptops
- Install Microsoft Edge Shopping extensions for coupons, discounts and cash-back offers on your purchases.
- If you’re a primary, secondary 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 selected products, including Surface devices.
Laptop hardware considerations
Choosing your laptop display
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 laptop resolutions available:
- 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)
Refresh rate
Refresh rate refers to the number of times per second a laptop screen refreshes its image. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more fluid your games and animations appear. Here is the range of refresh rates:
- 60 Hz
- 120 Hz
- 144 Hz
- 165 Hz
- 240 Hz
Touchscreen
- Touchscreen laptops allow users to interact with the screen using their fingers or a digital pen.
- The benefits of touchscreen laptops include greater ease of use, flexibility, and accessibility for users with limited mobility.
What laptop CPU should you buy?
Intel
|
AMD
|
---|---|
|
|
Selecting a laptop’s internal storage drive
Hard disk drives (HDD) | Solid state drives (SSD) | |
---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How much RAM do you need?
Intended use | Recommended capacity | |
---|---|---|
|
|
8 GB |
|
|
16 GB |
|
|
32 GB+ |
Types of RAM
DDR3
|
DDR4
|
DDR5
|
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Which laptop battery is best for you?
30-69 Watt Hours (Whr)
|
70-99.9 Watt Hours (Whr)
|
---|---|
|
|
Frequently asked laptop battery questions
-
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 customise 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.
Form factors and functionality
2-in-1 laptop features
Convertibles
Detachables
Tablets
Audio and microphone
Functionality factor
Ports |
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity |
Display options |
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Alternate form factors
Find the laptop perfect for you
Frequently asked laptop shopping questions
-
It really depends on the type of laptop you’re looking for, as well as its features. Laptops can cost anywhere from USD 160 to USD 1,000 or more.
-
The best laptop is the one that suits your needs. Try the Help Me Choose quiz to help you find the best Windows laptop for your lifestyle.
-
It depends on how often you use your laptop, but people typically replace a laptop every three to five years. If your laptop is getting slower, or has reduced battery life, it may be time to look for a new laptop.
- Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
- Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
- [1] Phone Link experience comes pre-installed 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.
- [10] Versus standard Wi-Fi. Subject to router requirements and available signal. Details at Intel Product Performance.
Follow Microsoft Windows