Microsoft Announces Intel Versions of Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7

Microsoft kicked off the era of Copilot+ PCs last year, launching new Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 in 2024 with Qualcomm Arm processors. This was followed by Copilot+ PCs from every PC manufacturer, despite the relative lack of AI features. As rumored, Microsoft has now announced Intel versions of those machines. These refreshed Copilot+ PCs are aimed at businesses, which is good because the move to an Intel chip has boosted the already high price tags beyond what most consumers will want to spend.

This move is nothing new for Microsoft—its last Surface machines followed a similar update cycle. The 2023 Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 6 both launched with Qualcomm Arm processors, later updated with Intel chips. The current-gen machines debuted with Snapdragon X Elite processors in 2024, the same silicon that powered the rest of the first-wave Copilot+ PCs. Now, businesses and more picky consumers will be able to get those computers with the latest Lunar Lake Intel chips.

The updated Surface Laptop 7 will be available with Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 chips, up to 32GB of RAM, and as much as 1TB of storage. Like the Arm variant, it will come in 13.8 and 15-inch sizes. Microsoft says the 13,8-inch model will get 12 hours of web browsing battery life, with the 15-inch running just a little longer at 14 hours. Both of these numbers are just an hour shorter than the estimates for the Arm-based versions. It still has two USB-C ports and one USB-A, but the legacy port has been upgraded from USB 3.1 to USB 3.2 for higher data speeds.

This machine will start at $1,499.99, and just a few upgrades will easily push you beyond $2,000. Microsoft also promises a 5G version of this laptop later in 2025, which will no doubt cost even more.

As for the company’s flagship tablet PC, the new Surface Pro 11 will also come with a $500 price increase compared with the Arm version, starting at $1.499.99. It comes in LCD and OLED variants like the consumer variant, with options for Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 processors. Businesses will be able to configure the machine with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. There are no changes to the ports on this machine—you still get twin USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4.

Microsoft has spent years trying to get Windows ready for Arm, and it’s mostly there in Windows 11. The company’s latest emulation system is almost seamless, but some x86 applications still don’t work well. For businesses that often rely on older software, an Arm machine can be a tough sell. They might be willing to pay more for Microsoft’s Intel-based options, but most consumers should learn to live with Arm. Microsoft says these machines will be available at retailers starting on Feb. 18.