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Windows 8 System Requirements

Posted February 2012 by Steve Sinchak

Microsoft claims Windows 8 is the first version of Windows to require less resources that its predecessor.  The preliminary system requirements look promising.

System Requirements

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster (Intel or ARM).
  • RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit).
  • Hard drive space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit).
  • Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device or higher.
  • To use touch, you need a tablet or monitor that supports multitouch.
  • To access Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
  • To snap apps in the Metro interface, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768.

Most interesting is you must have a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 to run apps from the Windows Store. Those of you holding out at 800 x 600, it is time to buy a new monitor.

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