System Requirements

Minimum Supported System Requirements
For end-users that build their own systems and/or purchase Windows Vista separately to install on an existing system, the following are the minimum system requirements supported by Microsoft:

• 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 512 MB system memory
• SVGA (800x600) graphics card
• 20 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB Free Space
• CD-ROM drive

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 Capable Requirements
New PC buyers should look for PCs designated Windows Vista Capable or Windows Vista Premium Ready. A new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo can run Windows Vista. All editions of Windows Vista will deliver core experiences such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista may require more advanced or additional hardware.

• 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 512 MB System Memory
• A Graphics Processor that is DirectX 9 capable

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 (1280x1024) pixels
• 128 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions from 1,310,720 (1280x1024) to 2,304,000 (1920x1200) pixels
• 256 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 (1920x1200) pixels
• Meets graphics memory bandwidth requirements, as assessed by Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor running on Windows XP

 

Windows Vista Premium Ready Requirements
For the best experience, choose a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements described below. If a PC is Windows Vista Premium Ready it delivers an even better experience than a Windows Vista Capable PC. PCs meeting the Windows Vista Premium Ready requirements can deliver the Windows Aero user experience.

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

The Windows Marketplace contains a selection of PCs ready for Windows Vista.

Editions and Pricing