Computer and Software Support


Requirements for Windows Vista

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

  • A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
  • 512 MB of system memory.
  • A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

 

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

  • 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.
  • 1 GB of system memory.
  • A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero2.
  • 128 MB of graphics memory.
  • 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
  • DVD-ROM Drive3.
  • Audio output capability.
  • Internet access capability.

 

Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready footnotes
  • Processor speed is specified as the nominal operational processor frequency for the device. Some processors have power management which allows the processor to run at lower rate to save power.
  • Windows Aero requires:
    • DirectX 9 class graphics processor that:
      • Supports a WDDM Driver.
      • Supports Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware.
      • Supports 32 bits per pixel.
    • Adequate graphics memory.
      • 64 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor less than 1,310,720 pixels
      • 128 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions from 1,310,720 to 2,304,000 pixels
      • 256 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 pixels
      • Meets graphics memory bandwidth requirements, as assessed by Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor running on Windows XP
  • A DVD-ROM may be external (not integral, not built into the system).

 

Minimum supported system requirements

PCs that meet the minimum supported system requirements will be able to run the core features of Windows Vista with the basic user experience.

 
 

Windows Vista Minimum Supported System Requirements
Processor 800 MHZ 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1
System Memory 512 MB
GPU SVGA (800x600)
Graphics Memory -
HDD 20 GB
HDD Free Space 15 GB
Optical Drive CD-ROM drive2
Audio -
Internet -
   
1) Processor speed is specified as the nominal operational processor frequency for the device. Some processors have power management which allows the processor to run at a lower rate to save power.
2) The CD-ROM may be external (not integral, not built into the system).

NOTE: Above is the specifications that Microsoft has posted on their website. Even though Microsoft says the above is the minimum requirements, for the system to function properly, your system should exceed the minimum requirements.