Microsoft’s first wave of Copilot+ AI PCs has landed, but the initial AI features like Studio Effects and Cocreator feel more like a soft launch than a revolution. The real game-changer, however, is lurking just beneath the surface: Windows Copilot Runtime (WCR).
While NPUs (neural processing units) in current AI PCs seem underutilized, WCR is poised to unlock their true potential. This API, announced at Microsoft’s Build conference, flew under the radar amidst flashier product reveals. For developers, though, WCR represents a seismic shift.
Think of WCR as the DirectX for AI. Just as DirectX revolutionized PC gaming by giving developers easy access to GPU power, WCR will allow app creators to tap into NPUs for small language models and AI features. This could transform everyday software in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.
Productivity apps like Word and Excel are likely candidates for significant AI-powered upgrades. Personal finance tools could get smarter about budgeting and planning. While heavy-duty generative AI might still need cloud processing or beefy GPUs, WCR will make local AI processing more accessible across the board.
The full impact of WCR will unfold over time, much like DirectX’s evolution. As the API matures, expect to see increasingly sophisticated AI integration in Windows apps. This software support is exactly what AI PCs need to become truly compelling upgrades for the average user.
While today’s Copilot+ features might not dazzle, WCR lays the groundwork for a genuinely AI-powered computing future. The killer apps for NPUs are coming – developers just needed the right tools to build them.
