Microsoft has reached a significant milestone in its AI business strategy by extending previously exclusive features to all Copilot Plus PCs, regardless of their underlying processor architecture.
Image credit: Microsoft
This expansion brings powerful AI capabilities like Live Captions, Cocreator in Paint, and enhanced image editing tools to devices powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Core Ultra 200V chips, features that were previously limited to Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processors.
Breaking Down the Cross-Platform AI Integration
The latest Windows 11 update delivers on Microsoft’s promise of creating a unified AI experience across different hardware platforms. Live Captions, which Microsoft began testing on Intel and AMD devices in December, now officially supports these processors. This accessibility feature provides real-time translation of audio content into English subtitles from over 40 languages during virtual meetings, podcasts, or video playback.
Beyond translation capabilities, Microsoft is expanding creative tools that leverage on-device neural processing units (NPUs). Cocreator in Paint, now available on AMD and Intel-powered Copilot Plus PCs, merges text prompts with freehand drawing to generate images. This tool transforms the traditional Paint application into a comprehensive platform for artistic expression, allowing users to create intricate designs and personalized visuals with minimal effort.
The Photos app also receives significant AI enhancements with Restyle Image and Image Creator features now functioning across all Copilot Plus PC processor types. Restyle Image converts standard photos into artistic interpretations like oil paintings or sketches, while Image Creator generates visuals based on detailed text prompts.
Voice Access Innovations on the Horizon
While expanding existing features, Microsoft is also introducing new Voice Access capabilities that take advantage of NPU technology. Currently, these advanced voice control features are available exclusively on Snapdragon X Series devices, allowing users to communicate with their PCs using more natural, descriptive language rather than rigid command structures.
Microsoft has confirmed plans to bring these enhanced Voice Access capabilities to AMD and Intel-powered devices later this year, continuing their strategy of eventual feature parity across all Copilot Plus PC platforms. The company is also adding support for translating 27 languages into Simplified Chinese, with broader processor support coming soon.
How to Access These New AI Features
For users eager to experience these enhancements, Microsoft is making them available through a phased rollout. The March 2025 Windows non-security preview update (which requires the November 2024 non-security preview update) serves as the gateway to these features, which will be gradually distributed via Windows controlled feature rollout over the next month.
Consumers with Copilot Plus PCs can prioritize their access by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and enabling “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.” After activating this option, users should select “Check for updates” to download and install the March non-security preview release.
Additionally, Microsoft emphasizes the importance of updating the Paint and Photos applications to their latest versions through the Microsoft Store to ensure compatibility with the new AI features.
The Future of AI-Enhanced Computing
Microsoft frames these updates as more than mere feature additions—they represent the company’s vision for the future of personal computing. By unifying AI experiences across different processor architectures, Microsoft is creating an ecosystem where hardware choice doesn’t limit access to cutting-edge capabilities.
These developments highlight how the integration of specialized AI hardware (NPUs) with accessible, intelligent software is transforming user experiences. Microsoft’s commitment to bringing these features to all Copilot Plus PCs, regardless of their silicon provider, demonstrates a platform-agnostic approach to AI integration that prioritizes user experience over hardware exclusivity.
As Microsoft continues to refine and expand these capabilities throughout 2025, the company positions Copilot Plus PCs as the definitive platform for AI-enhanced productivity and creativity, making computing faster, simpler, and more personalized for all users.
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Written by Alius Noreika
