Microsoft offers Back-to-School deals on AI-powered Windows 11 PCs
As students prepare for the upcoming academic year, the demand for reliable and high-performing computing devices remains paramount. With coursework increasingly digitized, a robust PC offering long battery life, swift performance, and versatile functionality has become an essential tool for managing schedules, completing assignments, and fostering creativity. This back-to-school season, the market is seeing a strong push for Windows 11 devices, particularly a new class of machines known as Copilot+ PCs, which integrate advanced artificial intelligence capabilities directly into the hardware.
Microsoft, alongside its hardware partners, is featuring a range of deals on these next-generation devices. These Copilot+ PCs are designed to leverage AI for enhanced productivity and creative tasks, with features like the Copilot AI assistant helping users navigate complex projects and organize their digital lives.
Among the prominent offerings are Microsoft’s own Surface devices. Through September 9, the Microsoft Store is providing significant savings on various Surface models and accessories, with additional discounts available specifically for students. For instance, the Surface Pro 13-inch (11th Edition), a 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC powered by Snapdragon, is available with savings of up to $500 until September 1, blending the portability of a tablet with laptop performance. Other Surface models, including the new 13-inch Surface Laptop and the 12-inch Surface Pro, both Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, are also seeing discounts, offering extended battery life and AI-backed performance ideal for academic demands. Notably, the 13.8-inch and 15-inch Surface Laptop (7th Edition) models, also Snapdragon-equipped, are being offered with up to $500 off until September 7.
These promotions arrive as support for Windows 10 is slated to conclude on October 14, making it an opportune time for an upgrade. Microsoft is facilitating this transition with a trade-in program, offering up to $500 cash back for qualifying Windows 10 PCs, often bundled with a three-month trial of Microsoft 365 Personal. To enhance the purchasing experience, the Microsoft Store provides flexible payment options, complimentary 2-3 day shipping, and an extended 60-day window for returns and price protection.
Beyond Microsoft’s direct sales, a broad ecosystem of devices from leading manufacturers is also available, tailored to diverse student needs. Acer’s Aspire 16 AI, powered by Snapdragon X, is presented as a cost-effective option for students needing performance and portability, featuring a 16-inch touchscreen and Wi-Fi 7. ASUS offers the Vivobook Flip 14/16, a versatile 2-in-1 device with a 360-degree hinge, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, boasting up to 28 hours of battery life and an eye-friendly OLED display.
Dell’s Copilot+ PC lineup includes the 14 Plus and 16 Plus laptops, available with Intel Core Ultra processors and select models featuring Snapdragon X, designed to handle AI workloads and daily tasks with ease. HP introduces the OmniBook 5 14-inch, a Snapdragon X-powered Copilot+ PC that claims up to 34 hours of battery life—reportedly the longest in a consumer AI PC notebook—and includes an integrated HP AI Companion for study assistance. Lenovo’s Yoga 7 2-in-1, available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, incorporates AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors and a flexible 360-degree design with pen support, ideal for note-taking and creative tasks. Samsung rounds out the offerings with the Galaxy Book5 Pro, featuring an Intel Core Ultra processor, a Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen, and seamless integration with other Galaxy devices, all within a thin and light design.
These devices are widely available through major retailers, each offering their own back-to-school incentives. Best Buy, for instance, is showcasing over 100 models of Copilot+ PCs from various processor architectures (AMD, Intel, Snapdragon) and providing up to $400 off select laptops throughout August and September. Costco and Walmart are also featuring a wide assortment of Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs, with Walmart promoting deals starting as low as $179. Many of these retailers and manufacturers also support trade-in and recycling programs for older devices, further simplifying the upgrade process for students.
With a comprehensive range of powerful, AI-enabled Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs now on the market, students have an unprecedented array of choices to find a device that perfectly supports their academic journey and personal style.