Silver laptops showing the Copilot+ PC bloom on the screen

August 13, 2025

Just got a Copilot+ PC? Let’s get you started

So, you’ve just unboxed a brand-new Microsoft Copilot+ PC—cue the excitement! Whether you picked up a sleek Surface laptop or another Windows 11 device, you’re holding a whole lot of power, speed, and smarts in your hands. If this is your first time using a Copilot+ PC, don’t worry. We’ve got you.

This guide is your no-stress companion for getting started—from setup to exploring the Copilot+ PC features that make these laptops seriously next-level.

Unbox, set up, and power on

Inside the box, you’ll typically find your laptop (obviously) and a charger. Plug in your PC, then hit the power button and follow the setup prompts. You’ll connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Microsoft account, and get your Windows 11 environment going. If you’re new to it, Windows 11 is clean, simple, and intuitive for beginners. And yes—you can change anything later, so don’t stress too much on the settings.

Performance, speed, and battery life

Right out of the gate, you’ll probably notice something: your Copilot+ PC is fast. Like, blazing fast. We’re talking:

Up to 58% faster than the MacBook Air with M3¹
Up to 5x faster than those trusty (but aging) Windows laptops from five years ago¹

Open multiple apps, stream a show, run Excel, write an email—all at once. And with up to 22 hours of video playback,² you can binge an entire season on Netflix and still have juice left for work the next day.³ Charger-free Fridays? Yes, please.

A young man learning how to use his Windows laptop for the first time

AI art created via Copilot

Use Copilot+ features to get more done

This isn’t just a laptop. It’s a smart assistant, too.

Click the Copilot icon in the taskbar (or press Windows + C), and boom—you’ve got access to Copilot+ features that genuinely make your life easier:

Need to recall a file but don’t remember what it was called? Just describe it. “That PDF I read about budgeting last week.” Recall finds it in seconds.⁴
Click to Do (preview) lets you take instant actions on text and images you see on your screen—like blurring a background, erasing objects, summarizing content, or rewriting text. Just press the Windows key and left click, and you’ll see helpful options appear—no need to open extra apps.⁵
Copilot can also write emails, summarize documents, suggest edits, help you manage your calendar, and so much more!.

Essential to-dos after setup

Once setup is complete, take a few quick actions to personalize and protect your experience.

Turn on Microsoft Defender – it’s already included and keeps your device protected from malware and other threats.
Sign in to Microsoft 365 – this gets you access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. And don’t forget to sync with OneDrive to keep your files backed up and accessible from anywhere.
Customize your vibe – choose your theme, font size, display brightness, and accessibility settings (like voice typing, magnifier, or high contrast mode) so the laptop feels like yours.
Set up Windows Hello – log in quickly and securely using your face, fingerprint, or a PIN.⁶ You’ll find it under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Control your app permissions – head to Settings > Privacy & Security to choose which apps can access your camera, microphone, and location.

Learn a few beginner tips to make life easier

Once you're set up, your Copilot+ PC can simplify the little things you do every day—like browsing, organizing, or multitasking.

Here are a few tools worth getting to know:

Microsoft Edge: A fast, secure, and AI-powered web browser, Edge works seamlessly with Copilot to help you summarize pages, compare prices, and browse smarter.
Bluetooth and devices: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices to quickly connect wireless headphones, a stylus, your phone, or even a printer. It’s tap-and-go simple.
Snap Layouts: Tired of dragging windows around to organize your screen? Hover over any window’s maximize button, and you’ll see Snap Layouts—pre-set arrangements that help you place multiple apps side by side. Whether you're writing a doc while referencing a website, or watching a video while replying to email, it’s perfect for multitasking without clutter.
File Explorer: This is your go-to place for managing all your files. Open it from the taskbar or press Windows + E, and you can easily:
- Browse folders and drives
- Pin your most-used folders for quick access
- Sort files by name, date, or type
- Use the search bar to instantly find anything on your device

File Explorer makes it easy to stay organized, whether you're keeping track of work docs, photos, or downloads.

Ready, set, now go explore

Your Copilot+ PC isn’t just a laptop—it’s your productivity partner. With tools like Recall, Click to Do, and Copilot built right into Windows 11, you’re set up to create, explore, and work smarter than ever before.

Ready to dive deeper? Explore more about Copilot+ PCs, discover new tips for your Surface laptop, and see everything Windows 11 can do.

DISCLAIMER: Features and functionality subject to change. Articles are written specifically for the United States market; features, functionality, and availability may vary by region.
[1] Based on Cinebench 24 Multi-Core benchmark. See aka.ms/cpclaims.
[2] For local video playback. Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors. See aka.ms/cpclaims.
[3] Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors. See aka.ms/cpclaims.
[4] Consumer (Global English and EEA, when available). Requires Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security. Optimized for select languages. Content-based and storage limitations apply. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
[5] Click to Do (preview) is available on Snapdragon®-powered devices now, with AMD and Intel support starting mid-2025. Functionality varies by device and market. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs.
[6] Hardware dependent.