At South West ComputAble, we strive to provide the best support services tailored to the needs of our diverse clients. Below, you’ll find our minimum hardware standards for different user categories, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with current Microsoft-supported systems:
Minimum Hardware Standards for Managed Business Environments
- Processor:
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). For optimal performance in a business setting, consider using processors from the Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 series or higher.
- Memory (RAM):
- 16 gigabytes (GB) or greater. While 4 GB is the minimum, 16 GB or more is recommended for multitasking and running business applications efficiently.
- Storage:
- 250 GB or larger SSD (Solid State Drive) for faster boot times and improved performance. While 64 GB is the minimum, a larger SSD is recommended to accommodate business software and data.
- System Firmware:
- UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module):
- Version 2.0.
- Graphics Card:
- Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. For businesses requiring graphic-intensive applications, consider dedicated graphics cards.
- Display:
- High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel. For better productivity, consider Full HD (1080p) or higher resolution monitors.
- Internet Connection:
- Reliable internet connectivity is essential for updates, cloud services, and remote work capabilities. Windows 11 Home edition requires an internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.
- Network Capabilities:
- Ensure devices support the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6) and have Ethernet ports for stable wired connections.
- Security Features:
- Devices must support BitLocker encryption and be capable of running Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to meet Intune compliance policies12.
- Built-in security features such as biometric authentication (fingerprint readers, facial recognition) and hardware-based encryption are recommended.
- Peripheral Support:
- Ensure compatibility with essential business peripherals like docking stations, external monitors, and printers.
- Compliance with Intune Policies:
- Devices must be able to meet Intune compliance policies, which include requirements for minimum OS versions, device encryption, and threat management12.
- Devices should be capable of reporting compliance status to Intune and supporting Conditional Access policies to ensure secure access to corporate resources12.
These standards will help ensure that your business hardware is capable of supporting the latest features, security updates, and productivity tools provided by Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Intune. If you need more specific recommendations or have additional requirements, feel free to ask!
Minimum Hardware Standards for Small Businesses
- Processor:
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). For better performance, consider using processors from the Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 3/5 series or higher.
- Memory (RAM):
- 8 gigabytes (GB) or greater. While 4 GB is the minimum, 8 GB or more is recommended for running business applications smoothly.
- Storage:
- 128 GB or larger SSD (Solid State Drive) for faster boot times and improved performance. While 64 GB is the minimum, a larger SSD is recommended to accommodate business software and data.
- System Firmware:
- UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module):
- Version 2.0.
- Graphics Card:
- Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. For businesses requiring graphic-intensive applications, consider dedicated graphics cards.
- Display:
- High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel. For better productivity, consider Full HD (1080p) or higher resolution monitors.
- Internet Connection:
- Reliable internet connectivity is essential for updates, cloud services, and remote work capabilities. Windows 11 Home edition requires an internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.
- Network Capabilities:
- Ensure devices support the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6) and have Ethernet ports for stable wired connections.
- Security Features:
- Devices should support basic security features such as BitLocker encryption and Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
- Built-in security features such as biometric authentication (fingerprint readers, facial recognition) and hardware-based encryption are recommended.
- Peripheral Support:
- Ensure compatibility with essential business peripherals like docking stations, external monitors, and printers.
- Backup Solutions:
- Implement regular data backup solutions, either through external drives or cloud-based services, to protect against data loss.
These standards will help ensure that your small business hardware is capable of supporting the latest features and security updates provided by Microsoft. If you need more specific recommendations or have additional requirements, feel free to ask!
Minimum Hardware Standards for Home Users
- Processor:
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
- Memory (RAM):
- 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater.
- Storage:
- 64 GB or larger storage device. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is recommended for faster performance.
- System Firmware:
- UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module):
- Version 2.0.
- Graphics Card:
- Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Display:
- High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
- Internet Connection:
- Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates and to download and use some features. Windows 11 Home edition requires an internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.
- Additional Recommendations for Home Users:
- Wi-Fi Capabilities: Ensure your device supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6) for better internet performance.
- Battery Life: For laptops, consider devices with good battery life to support longer usage without frequent charging.
- Peripheral Support: Ensure compatibility with common home peripherals like printers, external storage devices, and webcams.
These standards will help ensure that your home hardware is capable of supporting the latest features and security updates provided by Microsoft. If you need more specific recommendations or have additional requirements, feel free to ask!