Guide – How to Check If Your PC Has an NPU on Windows 11?

Initially, NPU is in smartphones, enhancing features such as camera capabilities, battery life, and security. However, as AI applications become more common, NPUs are rapidly expanding into new areas, including PCs and laptops. This post is mainly about how to check if your PC has an NPU on Windows 11.

What Is NPU?

What is NPU? NPU is the abbreviation of Neural Processing Unit. It is a specialized processor designed to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning workloads directly on the PC, rather than sending data to be processed in the cloud.

In Windows 11, the CPU and GPU can handle most workloads. However, NPUs are particularly good at low-power AI computing, accelerating language recognition, image processing, and other AI-based functional tasks.

Overall, integrating NPUs into Windows 11 accelerates AI and machine learning tasks and helps execute AI algorithms more efficiently on compatible hardware. The following are some Windows 11 devices with NPU hardware built-in:

• Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with 5G.
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5
• Dell Latitude 7350 Detachable.
• Dell Precision 3000 and 5000 Series mobile workstations.
• Dell Precision 3280 CFF (Compact Form Factor).

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How to Check If Your PC Has an NPU on Windows 11?

Way 1: Via Task Manager

How to know if your PC has an NPU on Windows 11? First, you can use Task Manager to check it. Here is how to do that:

1. Type Task Manager in the Search box to open it.

2. Go to the Performance tab. Then, you can check if there is an NPU part. If there is, you can find that the device has an integrated NPU processor made by Intel, and its name is Intel AI Boost.

Way 2: Via Device Manager

How to find out if your PC has an NPU on Windows 11? The second method for you is via Device Manager. Follow the guide below:

1. Right-click the Start menu to choose Device Manager.

2. If there is an NPU processor on your PC, you can see the Neural Processors category.  Under this category, you will see information about the NPU manufacturer.

Way 3: Via System Information

How to check if your PC has an NPU on Windows 11? You can also do it via System Information.

1. Type System Information in the Search box to open it.

2. Go to Components > Problem Devices.

3. Then, you can check if any entries indicate the Neural Processing Unit or AI accelerator. If there are no problem devices listed, your PC may not have an NPU installed.

Way 4: Via Manufacturer Documentation

How to check if your PC has an NPU on Windows 11? You can refer to the documentation provided by your PC’s manufacturer. Check the specifications to see if NPUs or AI accelerators are mentioned.

Final Words

How to check if your PC has an NPU on Windows 11? These are the 4 methods to check it. You can just select a suitable way according to your situation.