Hardware requirements

PCs

The minimum system requirements for Windows 8 are slightly higher than those of Windows 7. The CPU must support the Physical Address Extension (PAE), NX bit, and SSE2. Windows Store apps require a screen resolution of 1024×768 or higher to run. They require a screen resolution of 1366×768 or higher for snap functionality. To receive certification, Microsoft requires candidate x86 systems to resume from standby in 2 seconds or less.

Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 8 Criteria Minimum Recommended Processor 1 GHz clock rate IA-32 or x64 architecture Support for PAE, NX and SSE2 x64 architecture Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) support for Hyper-V Memory (RAM) IA-32 edition: 1 GB x64 edition: 2 GB 4 GB Graphics Card DirectX 9 graphics device WDDM 1.0 or higher driver DirectX 10 graphics device Display screen 1024×768 pixels 1366×768 pixels Input device Keyboard and mouse A multi-touch display screen Hard disk space IA-32 edition: 16 GB x64 edition: 20 GB Other USB 3.0 port UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B with Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in its database Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Internet connectivity Tablets and convertibles

Microsoft released minimum hardware requirements for new tablet and convertible devices certified for Windows 8, and defined a convertible form factor as a standalone device that combines the PC, display and rechargeable power source with a mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in a single chassis. A convertible can be transformed into a tablet where the attached input devices are hidden or removed leaving the display as the only input mechanism. On March 12, 2013, Microsoft amended its certification requirements to only require that screens on tablets have a minimum resolution of 1024×768 (down from the previous 1366×768). The amended requirement is intended to allow "greater design flexibility" for future products.

Hardware certification requirements for Windows tablets Graphics card DirectX 10 graphics device with WDDM 1.2 or higher driver Storage 10 GB free space, after the out-of-box experience completes Standard buttons 'Power', 'Rotation lock', 'Windows Key', 'Volume-up', 'Volume-down' Screen Touch screen supporting a minimum of 5-point digitizers and resolution of at least 1024×768. The physical dimensions of the display panel must match the aspect ratio of the native resolution. The native resolution of the panel can be greater than 1024 (horizontally) and 768 (vertically). Minimum native color depth is 32-bits. If the display is under 1366×768, disclaimers must be included in documentation to notify users that the Snap function is not available. Camera Minimum 720p Ambient light sensor 1–30k lux capable with dynamic range of 5–60k Accelerometer 3 axes with data rates at or above 50 Hz USB 2.0 At least one controller and exposed port. Connect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 + LE (low energy) Other Speaker, microphone, magnetometer and gyroscope.

If a mobile broadband device is integrated into a tablet or convertible system, then an assisted GPS radio is required. Devices supporting near field communication need to have visual marks to help users locate and use the proximity technology. The new button combination for Ctrl + Alt + Del is Windows Key + Power.