What do you need to know
- Microsoft has just introduced its own Copilot+ PCs, and almost every major PC manufacturer has followed suit.
- Copilot+ computers run on Snapdragon X processors that power exclusive artificial intelligence features.
- These features include Auto Super Resolution, which is an upscaling technology that helps increase the frame rate.
Copilot+ computers have several artificial intelligence features that enhance the computer experience. These features rely on the Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus, which include an AI-optimized NPU. One such AI feature is Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR), Microsoft’s equivalent of NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution or Intel XeSS.
Regardless of the upscaling technology you use, the general principles are the same. The upscaling function allows you to lower the resolution at which the computer renders the game. Then the function upscales the visuals. This process increases the frame rate because the computer does not have to use all its power to provide high frame rates and high resolutions.
A recently updated Microsoft support document describes Auto SR and answers some questions about the feature, including which games will be able to use the feature.
“Automatic Super Resolution (Auto SR) seamlessly integrates with Windows on a Copilot+ PC with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor to automatically upscale a set of existing games by default and increase the frame rate while maintaining a detailed display,” explains Microsoft.
“Auto SR works by automatically lowering the game’s rendering resolution to increase the frame rate, and then uses sophisticated AI technology to deliver an enhanced high-definition image. The result is a smoother, more detailed gaming experience.”
The default set of games will have Auto SR enabled by default, including Borderlands 3, God of War and The Witcher 3.
In order to use Auto SR, your computer must meet the following requirements as determined by Microsoft:
- Copilot+ computer with Qualcomm® Snapdragon® X processor with Hexagon NPU and integrated GPU.
- Windows 11, version 24H2 or later.
- The latest graphics and neural processor drivers. To manually check for updates, go to Start > Settings > Windows Updateand then select Check for updates.
- Display resolution 1080p or higher.
Only the first point is necessary to some extent, as all Copilot+ computers seem to meet the other requirements.
If you head over to www.worksonwoa.com, a third-party site that tracks Windows on Arm compatibility, you’ll see two filtering options related to Auto SR. First, there is a way to view games that support Auto SR out of the box. Currently, this list is quite short, but should expand over time. But even though the game doesn’t support Auto SR out of the box, many titles can be enhanced with Auto SR if you opt in.
If you opt in to use Auto SR in a game that doesn’t support this feature, you may encounter issues such as the changed resolution spreading to other apps when you use Alt+Tab to switch apps.
Are Copilot+ computers suitable for gaming?
I wouldn’t call any of the newly announced Copilot+ PCs “gaming PCs” and neither would the makers of these devices. But computers like the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop can run some games. Some apps and games must go through emulation when used in Windows 11 on Arm, but Microsoft says performance should be “just fine.”
Microsoft last week showed Baldur’s Gate 3 running at around 30 FPS unlocked on a PC like the Surface Pro 11. While this performance won’t rival the best gaming laptops, it should be enough to compete with handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally or Steam Deck.
Handhelds on the market currently struggle with battery life. If Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips inside can deliver similar performance while improving battery life, it could push the handheld market forward and give gamers more options. Perhaps an Arm processor could power the much-desired Xbox handheld.
This is Borderlands 3 running on the just announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Developer Kit. It runs pretty smoothly! pic.twitter.com/bGRDZ5WahcMay 21, 2024
Microsoft claims that over 1,000 games should be able to run at 1080p at 30 FPS.
Borderlands was also shown running on Windows on Arm with Auto SR enabled, giving us a look at Microsoft’s new upscaling technology in action.