Vice President, Windows + Devices

2025 Windows 11 PC holiday buying guide: Best devices and deals

Mark Linton — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:00:03 +0000

The holiday season has officially arrived—and with it comes the perfect opportunity to make the moment brighter with the gift of a Windows 11 PC. Whether it’s elevating a gaming setup, upgrading to the latest tech, encouraging a new creative hobby or making the everyday a bit easier, the right PC can bring a bit of holiday cheer to everyone on your list. This year, Windows 11 PCs bring a whole new way to interact with your computer. With Copilot on Windows, the AI-powered assistant makes your PC smarter and daily tasks easier. A recent survey found that over half of Gen Z and Millennials use generative AI at least once a week—and now with the new "Hey Copilot" wake word, this technology is available with a simple voice command. Ask your PC to plan your holiday trip, guide you through a festive recipe, edit holiday cards, draft messages or brainstorm last-minute gift ideas. It’s having a personal companion ready and available across the Windows experiences you already use and it’s available on every Windows 11 PC to try today. Ready to shop? Explore Windows 11 PCs with Copilot and take advantage of incredible holiday deals from your favorite brands and retailers. With so many options to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone on your list. Disclaimer: Prices and availability are subject to change without notice and may vary by retailer or region.

Which PC is right for me?

Find the perfect PC for everyone on your list—from creators and students to professionals on the go. Explore our curated guide to help you find the Windows 11 PC for every need (including yours). Plus, check out Copilot+ PCs—the fastest, most intelligent and secure Windows PCs ever built with unique AI-enabled experiences for unmatched speed and performance.

For the gamer who wants high performance, anywhere:

[caption id="attachment_263783" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Legion 5 15.1”[/caption] Lenovo Legion 5 15", powered by AMD Why it’s our pick: This powerful yet portable and thin laptop is built for next-level gaming and high-intensity productivity. Featuring the latest AI technology with AMD Ryzen AI Ryzen 7 260 processors, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics for lightning-fast performance and crisp visuals, and smart AI features that make your games look and feel even better. Starting at $1249.99 MSRP and currently on offer for $1,169.99 at Walmart. [caption id="attachment_263785" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ROG Xbox Ally (left) and ROG Xbox Ally X (right)[/caption] ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X, powered by AMD Why it’s our pick: If your gamer is on-the-go, give them the power of Windows PC gaming anywhere with the new ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X—and let them experience the joy of play wherever adventure takes them. With two unique versions meant to match individual playstyle, both devices combine the best of Xbox, Windows and ASUS for an all-new kind of handheld that allows players to access their favorite games from Xbox, Game Pass (where available), Battle.net and other leading PC storefronts, all in one place. You can now save $100 off the ROG Xbox Ally at select retailers until Dec. 20.

For the student or lifelong learner:

[caption id="attachment_263786" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Dell 16 Plus Laptop[/caption] Dell 16 Plus Laptop, powered by Intel Why it’s our pick: Experience built-in AI on the Dell 16 Plus laptop, designed to run AI workloads locally while handling day-to-day tasks with ease. Get Intel Core Ultra power, up to 20 hours of battery life and a vibrant 16-inch large display, ideal for students and creatives who need to balance school assignments and personal projects. As the year comes to a close, you can expect to see great holiday deals from Dell Technologies to help you choose the best gifts this season. Currently on offer for $649.99 USD. [caption id="attachment_263787" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Samsung Galaxy Book5 360[/caption] Samsung Galaxy Book5 360, powered by Intel Why it’s our pick: This versatile AI PC comes with 2-in-1 power. Boasting a brilliant 15.6" Full HD AMOLED display and a 360-degree hinge, Book5 360 makes everything from studying to streaming a comfortable experience. Plus, with its thin and lightweight design, Galaxy Book5 360 is the perfect laptop for on-the-go lifestyles. Starting at $1349.99 MSRP and currently on offer for $899.99 USD.

For the multitasker and parenting pro who manages it all:

[caption id="attachment_263788" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Acer Aspire 14 AI[/caption] Acer Aspire 14 AI, powered by Intel Why it’s our pick: The Acer Aspire 14 AI is designed for simplicity and is the ideal device for those who need both performance and portability. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) and equipped with built-in Intel Arc graphics, it delivers multi-day battery life in a sleek, ultra-modern design. Starting at $699.99 MSRP and currently on offer at Costco.com. [caption id="attachment_263789" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ASUS Zenbook 14[/caption] ASUS Zenbook 14 (UM3406), powered by AMD Why it’s our pick: Weighing just over two pounds and with a multi-day battery life, this laptop is the ultimate lifestyle PC meant to travel—even if it’s from the kitchen to the couch. Minimalist design and tone-on-tone colors blend into your home spaces, and its durable laptop lid, keyboard frame and base avoids accidents. Starting at $899 MSRP and currently on offer at Walmart.

For the trendsetter who wants a stylish upgrade:

[caption id="attachment_263791" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC.[/caption] Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC, powered by Intel Why it’s our pick: Create anywhere with the Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 with its 360 design, touchscreen and optional Yoga Pen that lets you sketch, edit or present like a pro. Dolby Vision delivers stunning visuals and an Intel Core Ultra Processor with 40+ TOPS NPU means this Copilot+ PC balances beauty and brains. Starting at $1,099.99 MSRP and currently on offer at Best Buy. Pen sold separately. [caption id="attachment_263793" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Surface Pro 12-inch[/caption] Surface Pro 12-inch, powered by Snapdragon Why it’s our pick: The new Surface Pro 12-inch is designed with portability, flexibility and style in mind. With all-day battery life, stunning hands-on display and AI-accelerated experiences, this 2-in-1 design gives you the best of a laptop and a tablet, all in one device. Now available in three eye-catching colors: Violet, Ocean and Platinum. Starting at $799 and currently on offer for $649.99 MSRP at Best Buy.

For the remote worker who lives on calls:

[caption id="attachment_263792" align="alignnone" width="1024"] HP OmniBook 5 14-inch[/caption] HP OmniBook 5 14-inch, powered by Snapdragon X Why it’s our pick: With the world’s longest battery life in a consumer AI PC notebook, the HP OmniBook is built to keep up no matter how packed of a calendar you have. The built-in HP AI Companion can help summarize call notes, draft outlines and multitask with ease. And with a 1080p IR camera and HP Audio Boost 2.0 you’ll always show up with your best foot forward. Starting at $899.99 MSRP and currently on offer for $479.99. [caption id="attachment_263794" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Surface Laptop 13-inch[/caption] Surface Laptop 13-inch, powered by Snapdragon Why it’s our pick: The lightest Surface Laptop delivers built-in AI experiences and impressive performance powered by Snapdragon X Plus (8 Core) processors to enhance your productivity and creativity—no matter where you’re dialing in from. And with the full HD Surface Studio Camera and Windows Studio Effects, you’ll never want to join a call “camera off” anymore. Starting at $899 and currently on offer for $549.99 USD at Best Buy.

Where should I shop?

Discover great deals from Microsoft.com and top retailers, such as Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Walmart and more, on everything from laptops to tech accessories, along with holiday promotions that help you save and make shopping easier. Shop Best Buy. Best Buy has one of the largest assortments of Copilot+ PCs with more than 100 models of laptops and desktops featuring AMD, Intel and Snapdragon processors. That means shoppers have a wide range of options to choose from this holiday season. Our experts are ready to help shoppers explore and discover the latest technology whether shopping on the Best Buy App, BestBuy.com or in stores. Throughout the holiday season, shoppers can take advantage of great deals on laptops and desktops including our can't-miss doorbusters featuring Copilot+ PCs. Plus, shoppers can also save up to $600 on select Windows 11 PCs. Shop Costco. You'll find a wide selection of OEM brands, models and form factors on Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs at Costco. Browse your local warehouse, Costco.com or the Costco app to save big on Windows 11 PCs this holiday season. Shop Microsoft Store. Microsoft.com offers exclusive deals, price protection all season long, flexible payment options, and free 2–3-day shipping and returns until Jan. 31, 2026—plus support to help you find the perfect device or accessory. Deals are live now, with even more savings rolling out throughout December, including up to $800 off Surface Pro, 13-inch and Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch and 15-inch. Starting today, you can also save up to $250 on the Surface Pro, 12-inch and Surface Laptop, 13-inch. With the Microsoft Store Online Trade-In Program, you can get up to $600 cash back on select Surface trade-in offers. Valid through Dec. 31, buy a Surface Pro (Copilot+ PC) bundle and save 20% on select Surface accessories—including keyboards, pens and docking stations. Finally, save up to 50% on full protection and keep your Surface safe with Microsoft Complete valid Nov. 20–Dec. 18, add it on to your purchase today.

Holiday extras to brighten your PC experience

Save 50% off the first year or month of Microsoft 365 Premium, starting now Give the gift of AI-powered productivity with Microsoft 365 Premium, our most powerful Copilot subscription for individuals. With Microsoft 365 Premium, you’ll get Copilot in your favorite apps including Word, Excel and PowerPoint—helping you tackle the most demanding tasks across work and life. From conducting deep research into a new business idea, to nailing an important presentation at work, Premium gives you AI-powered tools, expanded limits and next-level features to help you do it all, faster, smarter and with style. Plus, you’ll get other Microsoft 365 benefits like expansive cloud storage and advanced security. Learn more about the Microsoft 365 Premium limited time offer. Windows PC games on sale during the holidays This is a good time to load up your Windows gaming PC with great discounts on some of our most popular games. During the Countdown sale starting on Dec. 18, you can get up to 60% off more than 1,000 games. Sale ends Jan. 7. Here is a peak at the games on sale during the Countdown sale:

Save up to 30% on Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Cross Gen
Save up to 20% on ARC Raiders
Save up to 20% on Ready or Not: Digital Deluxe Edition
Save up to 25% on Minecraft Bedrock Edition
Buy Minecraft Bedrock Edition (PC ONLY) get $5 Microsoft gift card and Skin Pack. See terms at aka.ms/mc-sale-terms.
Buy EA Sports or 2K Sports titles and get $5 and $5 in-game. See terms at aka.ms/EAHoliday25 and aka.ms/2KHoliday25.

Not sure what to wrap?

An Xbox Game Pass Premium subscription or a Microsoft.com gift card makes it easy to give digital entertainment or tech from Surface, Xbox, apps and games, perfect for anyone on your list. From Windows 11 PCs and Xbox consoles, to the latest accessories and Copilot-enabled experiences, now’s the time to check off your list and make the season unforgettable.

Get ready for back to school with great deals on Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs

Mark Linton — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:06:43 +0000

As students head back to class, having a reliable, high-performing device is more important than ever. Whether it’s writing papers, managing a busy schedule or staying connected on the go, you need a PC with long battery life, speed and performance—plus one that fits your personal style. Windows 11 is the secure, reliable platform you've come to know and love—now even more powerful with Copilot. As your AI companion, Copilot helps you navigate the school year, helping you stay productive and focused, and bringing your creative ideas to life. To help students gear up for success, Microsoft and our partners are offering a wide range of back-to-school deals, making it easier than ever to find a PC that delivers both performance and value you need.

Save big on Surface at the Microsoft Store

From now until Sept. 9, Microsoft Store is offering back-to-school savings on Surface devices and accessories—with additional savings for students.

Save up to $500 on the Surface Pro 13-inch (11^th Edition). With its 2-in-1 design, this Copilot+ PC, powered by Snapdragon, combines the best features of a laptop and a tablet—perfectly designed for how you study best. Offer ends Sept. 1.

Save up to $100 on the new Surface Laptop 13-inch. Powered by Snapdragon, this portable Copilot+ PC is incredibly fast, backed by AI, and has up to 23 hours of battery life for getting work done. Offer ends Aug. 24.

Save up to $100 on the new Surface Pro 12-inch. The new Surface Pro, 12-inch Copilot+ PC powered by Snapdragon is portable and powerful. With all-day battery life and precise inking using Surface Slim Pen, this lightweight device is perfect for notetaking and creating. Offer ends Aug. 24.
Bundle and save with a Surface Pro 13-inch (11^th Edition) Copilot+ PC powered by Snapdragon. Enjoy powerful laptop performance, all-day battery life and unique AI experiences all in a sleek, flexible tablet design. This bundled offer includes a keyboard for a truly elevated 2-in-1 experience. Offer ends Sept. 30.
Save up to $500 on the Surface Laptop 13.8-inch and 15-inch (7^th Edition), powered by Snapdragon. As the fastest, most intelligent Surface Laptop ever, this Copilot+ PC unlocks new levels of speed, incredible all-day battery life, and brings new AI experiences to enhance productivity and creativity. Offer ends Sept. 7.

With support for Windows 10 ending on Oct. 14, now is the perfect time to upgrade. Trade in your Windows 10 PC and get up to $500 cash back with a qualifying trade-in, plus receive a 3-month trial of Microsoft 365 Personal. When you purchase a select new Surface Copilot+ PC, you can also get cash back with a qualifying trade-inⁱ. To help you shop with confidence, Microsoft Store offers flexible payment plans, free 2-3 day shipping, and an extended 60-day return and price protection window.

Windows 11 PCs built for the way you learn and create

Built on the foundation of Windows 11, a broad ecosystem of devices from Microsoft’s partners offers choices to meet every student’s needs. From powerful performance and all-day battery life to versatility and AI-powered experiences, these PCs are designed to support the way you learn, work and create. Acer Aspire 16 AI (A16-11MT-X669) powered by Snapdragon X With all-day battery life in a sleek design at a pocket-friendly price, the Aspire 16 AI is perfect for students requiring performance and portability for schoolwork. Practical Copilot+ AI features make it easier than ever to locate past lessons, manage tasks and stay organized. An intuitive 16-inch touchscreen and QHD webcam provide crystal-clear video calls for remote learning and collaborative study sessions. Power-packed, it’s outfitted with Qualcomm Snapdragon X and Wi-Fi 7, the fastest and most stable connectivity available today.

Acer Aspire 16 AI (A16-11MT-X669) with Snapdragon X

ASUS Vivobook Flip 14/16 powered by Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) The ASUS Vivobook 14/16 Flip is the ultimate back-to-school companion, featuring a versatile 360° hinge that transforms from a laptop for typing reports to a tablet for seamless, natural note taking with pressure sensitive pen support. Powered by up to an AI-accelerated Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and up to 28 hours of battery life, it’s built to handle every class project and late-night study session. The stunning, eye-care OLED display ensures comfort during long hours of work.

ASUS Vivobook Flip 16

Dell 14 Plus and Dell 16 Plus laptop powered by Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) The Dell 16 Plus is a Copilot+ PC designed to run AI workloads locally while handling day-to-day tasks with ease. Its large screen makes it ideal for students who need to balance performance with convenience for school and creative projects. The Dell 14 Plus, also a Copilot+ PC, is a sleek and portable device with Dolby Atmos and optional touchscreen. This laptop is a great choice for busy students to tackle demanding coursework and personal tasks from anywhere.

Dell 16 Plus with Intel

HP Omnibook 5 14-inch powered by Snapdragon X The newest HP OmniBook 5 Series with Snapdragon is built to keep up with students on the move, delivering incredible AI performance and up to 34 hours of unplugged power—the world's longest battery life in a consumer AI PC notebook. Both 14- and 16-inch Copilot+ PCs feature a built-in HP AI Companion to help students summarize notes, draft essay outlines and multitask with ease. With a 1080p IR camera, HP Audio Boost 2.0 and multi-day performance powered by Snapdragon X and X Plus processors, the latest HP OmniBook 5 Series empowers students to learn and collaborate without limits.

HP Omnibook 5 14" powered by Snapdragon X

Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1, 14-inch/16-inch powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processor Be ready for whatever the school year brings with the Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC. Available with a 14-inch and 16-inch display, its flexible 360° design, responsive touchscreen and Yoga Pen make it easy to take notes, sketch ideas or unwind in your favorite mode. Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors and Lenovo’s AI Core, it delivers adaptive performance on a vibrant 14-inch OLED or spacious 16-inch IPS display—both featuring Dolby Vision, TÜV Low Blue Light and crisp detail for everything from study sessions to streaming.

Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC

Samsung’s Galaxy Book5 Pro powered by Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) Galaxy Book5 Pro instantly upgrades to your back-to-school setup. It combines a Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen display, cutting-edge AI tools and powerful performance — all in an incredibly thin and light design. Plus, with seamless integration across your Galaxy devices and all-day battery lifeⁱⁱ, you can stay connected and organized on every project.

Samsung’s Galaxy Book5 Pro with Intel® Core™ Ultra processor (Series 2)

Save big on tech this back-to-school season

Whether you're shopping for a new device for school or upgrading from Windows 10, retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, MicroCenter and more are offering great deals on everything from laptops to tech accessories, with convenient back-to-school promotions to help you save and make shopping easier. Shop Best Buy. Best Buy has one of the largest assortments of Copilot+ PCs with more than 100 models of laptops and desktops featuring AMD, Intel and Snapdragon processors. That means students have a wide range of options tailored to their preferences, needs and budget for the new semester. More than 30,000 specially trained and certified Copilot+ Blue Shirt and Geek Squad experts are ready to help students experience and demo the technology, highlight the latest AI features and explore the possibilities it unlocks in their everyday lives. Throughout all of August and September, customers can save up to $400 on select Copilot+ PC Laptops. Shop Costco. When it comes to back-to-school laptop shopping, you'll find a wide selection of OEM brands, models and form factors on Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs at Costco. Browse your local warehouse, Costco.com or the Costco app to see the latest laptop selection. Shop the current promotions at Costco on new Windows laptops to set students up for success this year. Shop Walmart. Walmart has the assortment of Copilot+ and Windows 11 PCs every student needs this back-to-school season. Their assortment includes PCs and laptops from HP, Lenovo, Dell, ASUS and more at great Walmart prices. For back to school deals starting at $179, visit walmart.com, download the Walmart app or stop by your local store today! When you’re ready to purchase, trade-in and recycling programs are available through our many trusted partners, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and global retailers like Best Buy, Boulanger, Costco, Currys, Elkjøp, Fnac, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, MediaMarkt & SATURN, officeworks, Sharaf DG and Walmart. Learn more about Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs or visit our Help me choose tool to find the perfect PC for a productive school year. End notes i Offer valid with purchase of any new Surface Pro Copilot+ PC 13”, Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC 13.8” and 15”, Surface Pro Copilot+ PC 12", or Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC 13"  made between July 3, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2025 (the “Promotion Period”) after trade in of qualifying device where the customer submits the online trade-in claim for their used device, plus proof of purchase for new device during the Promotion Period, while supplies last. Customer will also receive a 3-month trial of Microsoft 365 Personal (Payment instrument required to activate trial. After your 3-month trial, you will be charged the price at www.microsoft365.com/buy each year to continue your subscription, unless you cancel at least two days before your next billing date in Microsoft account).  Available only in Microsoft Store online in the United States. Refurbished device purchases do not qualify for the offer. To be eligible for trade in, (i) you must own the qualifying device, (ii) the device must power on, (ii) the battery must hold a charge (the device must not be required to be plugged in to operate), and (iv) the device must be in fully-functional, working condition and not have broken or missing components, a cracked display or screen, liquid damage, modification(s) or the device warranty seal broken. The device cannot be password protected and must include its original chargers, accessories and hard drive. Customer must mail in the qualifying trade-in device to be eligible for reimbursement within 15 days of completing the online trade-in process. Devices determined to not meet eligibility criteria may be shipped back to the customer or recycled. Recycled devices are not eligible for cash back. All trade-ins are final. Trade in value depends on device type and condition after inspection by Teladvance. All trade-ins and reimbursements are subject to Teladvance’s sole discretion and approval. See Microsoft Store Trade-in Program for steps and requirements. Not valid on prior orders or purchases; cannot be transferred or otherwise redeemed for cash or gift cards, or credit towards other devices or products. May not be combined with other offers. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Limit of 1 trade-in per qualifying Surface device purchase per customer. ii Battery life varies significantly by device and with settings, usage and other factors. See aka.ms/cpclaims