Checking for NPU Availability on Windows 11 PCs

• To verify if your PC is equipped with an NPU in Windows 11, access Task Manager > Performance and look for the NPU component.
• You can also visit the processor specification pages of Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm to check for AI chip compatibility.

If you want to find out whether your computer has a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) while using Windows 11, this guide will help you easily conduct that check.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, you may frequently encounter the term “NPU” . This specialized chip accelerates AI tasks that are typically handled by the CPU. Although we are currently in the early phases of widespread adoption, NPUs are not essential for most computers at this stage. However, by 2024 and beyond, a significant number of devices, particularly laptops, are expected to incorporate these AI processors.

As of now, major chip manufacturers like Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD have integrated NPUs in several of their latest models. Notably, you can find NPUs in devices powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Plus, Intel Core Ultra 200V Series, and AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors.

If your computer is relatively new, it may already have the NPU. You can confirm this by checking in Windows 11 via Task Manager or Device Manager and also verify with the chip manufacturer directly.

This guide outlines how to check for the presence of an AI accelerator chip in Windows 11.

• How to Check for NPU in Windows 11 Using Task Manager
• How to Check for NPU in Windows 11 Using Device Manager
• How to Check for NPU in Windows 11 Via Intel, AMD, Qualcomm

How to Check for NPU in Windows 11 Using Task Manager

Follow these steps to see if your computer has an NPU:

1. Click on Start in Windows 11.

2. Type Task Manager into the search bar and select the top result to open it.

3. Select the Performance tab.

4. Check to see if an NPU is listed in the specifications.

   

After completing these steps, Task Manager will reveal whether your device is equipped with a Neural Processing Unit along with additional specifications like brand and model.

How to Check for NPU in Windows 11 Using Device Manager

To check for the presence of an NPU, follow these instructions:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Search for Device Manager and select the top result to launch the application.

3. Look for the “Neural processors” category.

   

If this category is visible, it means your laptop or desktop contains an NPU. You can click on it to see more details about the chip.

For Intel-based systems, you might find an NPU listed under the “Intel(R) AI Boost” category, which will also display items such as the “Windows Studio Effects Driver” and “Windows Studio Effects Camera.”

If you are using an AMD system, the NPU may appear within one of the “PCI Express Root Port” sections, listing the “AMD IPU Device” .

How to Check for NPU in Windows 11 Via Intel, AMD, Qualcomm

Alternatively, you can verify your processor model against the databases of the manufacturers to check for NPU inclusion. To determine your CPU’s brand and model, navigate to Settings > System > About and look under the “Device specifications” section for hardware details.

For Intel processors, you can check the following steps to confirm NPU support:

1. Visit the Intel product page.

2. Click on Processors.

3. Locate your CPU based on the information from “Device specifications.”

4. Scroll to the “NPU Specifications” section to view the NPU name, frequency, and specifications.

   

Once these steps are completed, the documentation on the website will verify if your CPU is equipped with a Neural Processing Unit.

Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.