Choosing the best Windows laptop can be overwhelming with the wealth of options available. And with Microsoft’s recent announcements<\/a> at Microsoft Build, we can expect lots of exciting things coming out in the next few months. At the event, the company unveiled the latest Microsoft Surface<\/a> devices and introduced Copilot PCs<\/a>, which promise to push the boundaries of what Windows 11 laptops can do.<\/p>\n We’ll be testing the latest Copilot PCs as they become available and updating our recommendations accordingly. For now, whether you need a premium ultraportable, a powerful gaming rig, or a versatile mobile workstation, our current list of the best Windows laptops highlights our favorites that have been rigorously tested by our team. For those on a budget, check out our list of the best cheap Windows laptops <\/a>to find great options that won’t break the bank.<\/p>\n Editor’s Note (June 2024):<\/strong> We’re eager to test out the new Microsoft Surface Pro 10<\/a> 2-in-1 laptop when it becomes available soon. We’ll update our top picks after we’ve had the chance to spend some time with the latest Surface device; until then, our top picks remain the same.<\/p>\n The challenge when thinking about performance is figuring out your sweet spot. That\u2019s because while a Microsoft Windows laptop with blazing speed is nice, you may be paying for more oomph than you need. But if you skimp and get a weak processor, even simple tasks can become a chore and you might end up in a situation where you need to upgrade again sooner than you\u2019d like. Thankfully, many laptops come in multiple configurations at the point of purchase. You can opt for a model with more processing power, for example, if you want to do more than just web browsing. Good performance is more than just clockspeeds too, so we also consider things like fast wake times, storage speeds, multitasking and more advanced features like support for ray tracing.<\/p>\n Regardless of whether a notebook has a touchscreen or a more traditional panel, we look for bright displays (300+ nits or more) that are easy use outdoors or in sunny rooms, accurate colors and wide viewing angles. Screens with high refresh rates are great for competitive gamers, while those with wider color gamuts are important for content creation and video editing. And even if you don\u2019t plan on spending a ton of time on video calls, every laptop needs a decent webcam (1080p or higher).<\/p>\n Even with advancements in cellular modems and WiFi, dedicated ports for transferring data or connecting peripherals can make or break a laptop. Ideally, all but the thinnest and lightest systems come with three USB ports, while things like built-in SD card readers can be extremely handy when trying to import media from a camera. And if a notebook is saddled with a slow or outdated WiFi modem (we\u2019re looking for Wi-Fi 6 or later), that\u2019s basically an immediate disqualification.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t matter how powerful a laptop is if it conks out when you need it the most. Typically we look for runtimes of at least eight hours on a charge, but when it comes to good battery life, longer is always better. That said, on gaming machines with thirsty GPUs, you may have to settle for a bit less. And on bigger machines, it\u2019s also important to consider if the system can charge via USB-C or if it needs a larger, proprietary power brick.<\/p>\n Photo by Devindra Hardawar \/ Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Screen size:<\/strong> 13-inch | Touchscreen:<\/strong> Can be configured | Processor:<\/strong> Intel Ultra 7 Processor 155H or Snapgradon X Elite | Installed memory:<\/strong> Up to 64GB | Storage:<\/strong> Up to 2TB | Weight:<\/strong> 2.6 pounds | Battery life:<\/strong> Up to 18 hours<\/p>\n Read our full <\/strong>Dell XPS 13 review<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nPerformance<\/h2>\n
Display and webcams<\/h2>\n
Ports and connectivity<\/h2>\n
Battery life<\/h2>\n
Best Windows laptops for 2024<\/h2>\n
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