Ever since it was launched in 2015, Windows 10 has become incredibly popular all over the world. It offers many features and is easy to use, making it the first choice for millions of users. To have a smooth and efficient experience with Windows 10, knowing the minimum system requirements for running it on your computer is essential.
This article discusses the minimum system requirements to install and run Windows 10 and a few more things you need to know.
Also read: Windows 11 minimum system requirements
System Requirements for Windows 10
To install Windows 10 and run with basic functionality, your computer must meet the following minimum requirements.
Processor | 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor |
RAM | 1GB for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit. |
Free disk space | 32GB |
Graphics | Compatible with DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver |
Display | 800×600 resolution |

Windows 10 feature-specific system requirements
Apart from the basic requirements to run Windows, certain features may have additional requirements. Some updated versions of Windows 10 work better with newer processors to fully enjoy their features. It’s best to check with the company that made your computer for specific hardware support. Here are some more details about the requirements for key features.
- BitLocker Drive Encryption (available in Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise): Requires a TPM 1.2 or higher and a TCG-compliant BIOS or UEFI. It can work without TPM but needs a startup key on a USB flash drive. TPM 2.0 and InstantGo support are required for automatic drive encryption when joining Azure Active Directory.
- BitLocker To Go (available in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise): Needs a USB flash drive.
- Client Hyper-V (available in Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise): Requires a 64-bit system with SLAT capabilities and an additional 2 GB of RAM.
- Cortana: Currently available in specific countries only.
- Microsoft account: Required for some features.
- Miracast: Needs a display adapter with WDDM 1.3 support and a Wi-Fi adapter with Wi-Fi Direct support.
- Movies & TV application: Not available in all regions.
- Secure boot: Requires firmware supporting UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in the UEFI signature database.
- Skype: Available only in select countries and regions for calling.
- Snap: The number of applications you can snap depends on the minimum resolution and mode (Tablet mode – 2 apps, Desktop mode – 4 apps).
- Speech recognition: Quality varies based on the device microphone. For a better experience, you need a high-fidelity microphone array and a hardware driver exposing microphone array geometry.
- Tablet mode: Available on tablets and 2-in-1s with GPIO or those configured to enter “tablet mode” automatically.
- Touch: Requires a touch-enabled tablet or monitor.
- Two-factor authentication: Requires PIN, biometric authentication (fingerprints or infrared camera), or phone with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth capabilities.
- Windows Hello: Requires a camera configured for near-infrared imaging or a fingerprint reader for biometric authentication.
- Xbox application: Requires an Xbox Live account, available in specific regions.
- Wi-Fi Direct Printing: Requires a Wi-Fi adapter with Wi-Fi Direct support and a compatible device.
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