Do you need to upgrade your PC to handle Windows 8? If it came with Windows 7, probably not
With Microsoft preparing to release Windows 8 this fall,
you may be wondering if your computer will be up to the task. The
company is yet to release the official system requirements or
minimum hardware specifications needed to run its newest operating
system. But thanks to a consumer preview and the nearly final version of Windows 8 that Microsoft unveiled in February, we have a pretty good idea of what your computer will be able to manage.
Look for a Windows 7 logo
If the computer you purchased runs Windows 7, chances are it will also be compatible with Windows 8. Grant George, corporate VP of Windows Test, states, "We
are committed to supporting any device with a Windows 7 logo." Windows 7
was released in October 2009, which means every new computer sold
thereafter came with a Windows 7 logo.
Still, Microsoft warns that your model may require manufacturer updates — a common occurrence when a new version of Windows is released. Since Windows 8 will be a dramatic shift from previous versions, manufacturer updates may become frequent in the weeks prior to Windows 8's initial release this fall.
Check your computer's hardware
Windows 8's system requirements are surprisingly similar to those of Windows 7. A new operating system usually needs more advanced hardware to run, but Microsoft has managed to avoid that pitfall. The 32-bit version of Windows 8 requires a processor with a speed of 1GHz or faster, 1GB of RAM or more, and 16GB of free space on your hard drive. If you choose to run the speedier and better 64-bit version of Windows 8, you'll need at least 2GB of RAM and 20GB of hard drive space.
To check what kind of innards your computer has, click the Start button at the bottom of your screen. If you use Windows 7, look for the Windows logo button. Click Computer, and then find System Properties at the bar near the top of the window that pops up. You'll then be redirected to a folder that shows your computer's processor and RAM. Want to check your hard drive, too? Simply open the Computer folder again, then find the list of hard disk drives to see how much space your drive has.
Be aware that simply meeting the minimum requirements isn't always going to give you the best performance. A faster processor and more RAM than what's required will make your experience with Windows 8 much smoother.
Find out your screen resolution
The biggest change in Windows 8 is the new Metro user interface (UI). While it is beautiful and easy to use, the new addition does come with a new requirement: a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. If you want to use the snap feature that can align two windows side-by-side, then you will need a display with a minimum resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
To find out your screen resolution, head to Control Panel > Display > Adjust Resolution. If you are running Windows 7, you can right-click on the desktop and click Screen Resolution.
Is Windows 8 worth the upgrade?
If you purchased your computer within the last three years, Microsoft has made your path to upgrading to Windows 8 pretty easy. If your computer is older than three years, however, you may have some work to do — but rest assured that with the dramatic upgrades and improvements Microsoft has made, Windows 8 is definitely worth picking up.
Still, Microsoft warns that your model may require manufacturer updates — a common occurrence when a new version of Windows is released. Since Windows 8 will be a dramatic shift from previous versions, manufacturer updates may become frequent in the weeks prior to Windows 8's initial release this fall.
Check your computer's hardware
Windows 8's system requirements are surprisingly similar to those of Windows 7. A new operating system usually needs more advanced hardware to run, but Microsoft has managed to avoid that pitfall. The 32-bit version of Windows 8 requires a processor with a speed of 1GHz or faster, 1GB of RAM or more, and 16GB of free space on your hard drive. If you choose to run the speedier and better 64-bit version of Windows 8, you'll need at least 2GB of RAM and 20GB of hard drive space.
To check what kind of innards your computer has, click the Start button at the bottom of your screen. If you use Windows 7, look for the Windows logo button. Click Computer, and then find System Properties at the bar near the top of the window that pops up. You'll then be redirected to a folder that shows your computer's processor and RAM. Want to check your hard drive, too? Simply open the Computer folder again, then find the list of hard disk drives to see how much space your drive has.
Be aware that simply meeting the minimum requirements isn't always going to give you the best performance. A faster processor and more RAM than what's required will make your experience with Windows 8 much smoother.
Find out your screen resolution
The biggest change in Windows 8 is the new Metro user interface (UI). While it is beautiful and easy to use, the new addition does come with a new requirement: a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. If you want to use the snap feature that can align two windows side-by-side, then you will need a display with a minimum resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.
To find out your screen resolution, head to Control Panel > Display > Adjust Resolution. If you are running Windows 7, you can right-click on the desktop and click Screen Resolution.
Is Windows 8 worth the upgrade?
If you purchased your computer within the last three years, Microsoft has made your path to upgrading to Windows 8 pretty easy. If your computer is older than three years, however, you may have some work to do — but rest assured that with the dramatic upgrades and improvements Microsoft has made, Windows 8 is definitely worth picking up.
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