Microsoft addresses Super Resolution issues on incompatible Windows PCs

This month, Microsoft introduced a variety of innovative AI-driven functionalities that will soon be accessible to Windows Insiders using Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD processors. One of these features, known as Super Resolution for image upscaling within the Photos app, was made available to Windows Insiders just last week.

Following the launch, it came to light that Super Resolution, which was meant to be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, unexpectedly surfaced on standard x86-based systems utilizing Intel and AMD processors. Microsoft has subsequently addressed this issue in an updated blog entry, indicating that it was indeed a bug that has now been rectified.

We have looked into and resolved a problem where super resolution was being displayed on incompatible PCs. The new fix is currently being deployed.

The primary factor preventing Super Resolution from being utilized on older x86 and ARM devices (non-Copilot+ configurations) is the necessity for a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). According to Microsoft, the Super Resolution feature utilizes the Neural Processing Units found in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors to provide speedy results locally, avoiding the need to upload images to the cloud for enhancement.

Super Resolution harnesses the power of the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on Copilot+ PCs to offer swift and efficient image enhancements, all performed locally on your device. You can access Super Resolution via the Photos Editor to quickly enhance your images.

This feature in the Photos app allows you to scale your images up to eight times. Simply open any image in the Photos app, activate Super Resolution, and choose your desired scale.

If you own a Copilot+ PC and wish to experience Super Resolution before it becomes widely available beyond the Insider program, you can enroll your device in one of the four channels and update the Photos application to version 2024.11100.17007.0 or later. For more details regarding this feature, refer to the official Windows Blog post here.

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