Laptop buying guide

When it comes to power and speed, Windows laptops give you performance on the go. From i9 convertible laptops to gaming laptops and 2-in-1s, find the best device for your digital life.

Preparing for a new Windows laptop

Buying a new device is exciting, but the process of transferring all your settings and data can feel overwhelming. We understand the challenges that come with changing laptops, so we’ve simplified the process with these tools and resources.

Back up and transfer your data with Windows Backup

Bring what you love from your old laptop to your new one. Windows Backup is built into the latest updates of Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs and will save you time by moving your files and some settings and apps to your new computer when signed into your Microsoft account. With a few simple steps, your new setup will feel like home.

Learn more

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 setup process and help you personalize your computer.
Learning how to use your new computer. We’ll teach you how to make the most of your business or personal laptop.

Trade in or recycle your old computer

If you have an eligible device, take advantage of our trade-in program to securely and responsibly recycle your PC—and get some extra cash. This resource can help you learn the trade-in value of your used device. You can also return and recycle your device responsibly with our end-of-life management and recycling initiatives.

Help me choose a PC

Which laptop fits my needs?

Windows laptops are available with a range of features and capabilities. Find the right laptop for your needs—whether that’s for school, work, gaming, or basic daily use.

Find your new Windows PC

Use our Help Me Choose tool and get advice on the perfect laptop for you by answering a few simple questions.

Help me choose a PC

Two people with laptops having a conversation

Why choose a Windows laptop?

Write, design, start a business, finish a game. Your beautiful mind has a lot going on. Your great ideas need to be seen by the world. Windows 11 can help make that happen. So, whether you’re looking for inspiration, organization, or just some relaxation, Windows 11 provides the power and multitasking tools that can help you get more done in less time.

Mac® vs. Windows laptops

Tools Every action Protect projects

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 setup 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 setup 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

Young girl using a laptop in the kitchen

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 professionals

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

Shop for a Windows 11 PC at these retailers ^8 9

Price and budget

Determining a budget to buy a laptop can be a challenging task. Consider factors such as performance, brand, and intended use to find a device in the appropriate price range for your needs.

Top 3 tips to save on laptops

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news and updates, including deals on Windows laptops.
Install Microsoft Edge Shopping extensions for coupons, discounts, and cash-back offers on your purchases.
If you’re a K-12 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 select products, including Surface devices.

Laptop hardware considerations

Display, central processing unit (CPU), internal storage capabilities, RAM, and battery life are all important hardware factors when deciding on a laptop.

Display features impact image quality, color accuracy, and brightness levels of a laptop screen. Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and touchscreen capabilities are all factors to consider when comparing laptop display features.

Resolution Refresh rate Touchscreen

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 resolutions:

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)

Sunset on a beach with several image resolution examples

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

Person holding a gaming controller with laptop in the background

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?

A laptop’s CPU is an essential hardware component responsible for executing instructions and controlling overall operation.

Intel	AMD
Known for high performance, reliability, and stability. High connectivity speeds ¹⁰ , large caches, and advanced instruction sets allow laptops to process data quickly and efficiently. Designed for multitasking and running multiple apps at once without impacting performance. Intelligent collaboration features support Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and more with minimal impact on battery life. i9, i7, i5, i3, or Pentium CPU available.	Known for excellent performance, with high core counts, clock speeds, resolution, and refresh rates. Ideal for data-intensive tasks like rendering and multitasking with Windows 11 tools like Snap layouts. Smart power management features provide incredible efficiency for cool, quiet performance and long-lasting battery life that won’t interrupt gaming. A great option for budget-conscious buyers. Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, or Ryzen 3 CPUs available.

Intel

AMD

Known for high performance, reliability, and stability.
High connectivity speeds ¹⁰ , large caches, and advanced instruction sets allow laptops to process data quickly and efficiently.
Designed for multitasking and running multiple apps at once without impacting performance.
Intelligent collaboration features support Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and more with minimal impact on battery life.
i9, i7, i5, i3, or Pentium CPU available.

Known for excellent performance, with high core counts, clock speeds, resolution, and refresh rates.
Ideal for data-intensive tasks like rendering and multitasking with Windows 11 tools like Snap layouts.
Smart power management features provide incredible efficiency for cool, quiet performance and long-lasting battery life that won’t interrupt gaming.
A great option for budget-conscious buyers.
Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5, or Ryzen 3 CPUs available.

Selecting a laptop’s internal storage drive

The internal storage drive stores all the data, files, and programs on a laptop, including the operating system, applications, documents, photos, and videos.
How much storage do you need, and which drive makes sense for you?

	Hard disk drives (HDD)	Solid state drives (SSD)
High speed
Low power consumption
High durability
Low price
Lightweight storage capacity

How much RAM do you need?

The amount of random-access memory (RAM) you need will depend on how you use your laptop. Basic tasks like email and web browsing only require 8 GB of RAM, whereas performing intensive tasks and using large files may require up to 32 GB of RAM.What is RAM, and how much do you need?

	Intended use	Recommended capacity
Daily use	Internet browsing Email Word processing Streaming	8 GB
Everyday or creative use	Video editing Graphic design 3D modeling General gaming	16 GB
Professional or advanced use	Playing games in focused sessions Broadcasting gameplay Running virtual machines Heavy multitasking	32 GB+

RAM is what helps your computer work faster by keeping the information you use the most easily accessible. The more RAM a computer has, the more data it can access quickly, which can improve the computer’s performance.

DDR3	DDR4	DDR5
Lower maximum data transfer rate Higher power consumption and heat generation	Higher maximum data transfer rate Operates at efficient voltage (1.2V)	Newest generation of RAM Highest maximum data transfer rate Operates at lower voltage (1.1V)

Which battery is best for you?

Choosing the right laptop battery for your needs depends on personal preferences and how you intend to use your device.

30-69 Watt Hours (Whr)	70-99.9 Watt Hours (Whr)
Lightweight Less expensive General computer use	Higher capacity Holds more charge for longer battery life Ideal for gaming and video editing

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 customize 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

Detachable keyboard, surround sound speakers, anti-glare display, and more. Learn about all the form factors available that feature Windows 11 to find the right fit for your everyday.

There are several form factors to choose from when you’re considering a 2-in-1 laptop. Get to know the highlights of each option.

Convertibles

Convertible laptops come with touchscreens and an attached keyboard. With a Windows 11 convertible laptop, simply fold the screen back to experience tablet functionality while enjoying the sturdiness of a traditional laptop. In a convertible laptop, the keyboard can’t be removed, but you can use it as a kickstand while you watch your favorite TV shows or movies.

Person sitting at a desk working on a laptop

Detachables

2-in-1 detachable laptops are touchscreens that can be paired with a removable keyboard. For projects, gaming, or multitasking, enjoy full laptop functionality by attaching the keyboard with ease. Remove the keyboard and transform your device into a tablet, allowing for even more portability. You can also get creative and jot quick ideas with a digital pen on the touchscreen while you’re computing on the go. 2-in-1 detachable laptops offer a lightweight, portable option that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

Tablets

Tablets feature a standalone touchscreen and are the most portable option. If you’re looking for a simple device for entertainment and don’t need much computing power, tablets are a great choice.

Get the most out of your gaming, streaming, and video calls with the best built-in audio and microphone technology. All Windows 11 laptops come with high-quality microphones and speakers. If you’re mostly using your laptop for entertainment, like streaming or gaming, look for Windows 11 laptops with premium surround sound speakers like Dolby® Atmos™.

To function at your highest level, you need a computer with the right functionality features. Choose from these features in Windows 11 laptops.

Ports	Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity	Display options
HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface, most commonly used for transferring audio and visual information from one device to another. USB Type-A: What comes to mind most readily when people think about USB ports. USB-C®: An upgrade from USB-A ports and features more power and quicker data transfer. USB-C® with USB 4.0/ Thunderbolt™ 4: An oval-shaped port that can support data transfers from Thunderbolt™ 4 and USB-C® cables. MicroSD card reader: Allows your device to read data stored on MicroSD cards, which are used to expand the storage on smartphones, cameras, and gaming devices. Nano SIM: Nano SIM cards are most commonly used in smartphones but can also be used to help your device connect to Wi-Fi.	Wi-Fi 6 technology: Creates a faster connection from your device to your router. WPA3 compatible: A series of security protocols for safer online activity.	LCD: Flat panel displays with fluorescent backlights. LED: Flat panel displays with LED backlights. IPS: In-plane switching displays are characterized as having the best color and viewing angles. Anti-Glare: Allows you to use your device in bright light settings without a noticeable reflection. Infinity-Edge: A nearly borderless display that maximizes screen space. OLED: Capable of displaying over 60 times more colors than most LCD displays.

If you realize that a laptop isn’t right for you, explore alternate options for your everyday computing needs. From desktops to all-in-one devices, we'll help you find your perfect fit.

Windows laptops offer users a range of choices when it comes to price, performance, and features. From hardware considerations to accessory compatibility, exploring your options for a new laptop should be exciting. Whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or someone looking for a basic laptop for daily use, you can find the right laptop for your digital life.

Shop Windows laptops

Screens simulated. Features and app availability may vary by region.
Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
[1] Phone Link experience comes preinstalled 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.
[8] Windows 11 upgrade is available for eligible PCs that meet minimum device specifications. Upgrade timing may vary by device. Internet service fees may apply. Features and app availability may vary by region. Certain features require specific hardware (see Windows 11 Specifications).
[9] Certain features require specific hardware, see Windows 11 Specifications.
[10] Versus standard Wi-Fi. Subject to router requirements and available signal. Details at Intel Product Performance.

Laptop buying guide

Preparing for a new Windows laptop