Microsoft reveals the minimum requirements for Windows 10 on PCs and mobiles

Redmonds are taking advantage of the WinHEC conference, held in China, to deliver a lot of information related to future release of Windows 10, such as the date it will be available, or the possibility to try the mobile version of this OS on Android phones. And along with this, they are also confirming what will be the official requirements of the new Windows, both on PCs and mobiles.

Microsoft had already hinted that Windows 10 requirements on PCs would be very similar to those of Windows 8.1, due to the interest in maintaining compatibility with small and cheap equipment. But now we finally have proof of such a promise: the slides presented at WinHEC confirm that Windows 10 32-bit will be able to run on computers that have from 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and card graphics DirectX 9

In the case of the 64-bit version, it will require 2 GB of RAM, 20 GB of internal storage, and the same DirectX 9 graphics.

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Both versions will require a minimum resolution of 800x600 pixels, and a screen size of at least 8 inches, in the case of home users, and at least 7 inches, for those who install the Pro version. This makes us think that those who own tablets like the HP Stream 7 will be given the option to upgrade to the aforementioned Pro version of Windows 10, so they can retain desktop functionality"

And continuing with tablets, Windows 10 will require that these devices have at least a power button, and 2 volume up and down buttonsOptionally, they may include buttons to access the home menu/screen, and to block the automatic rotation of the accelerometer.

Mobile minimum requirements hint at new screen sizes

Microsoft also tells us what will be the minimum requirements of Windows 10 on mobile phones. As indicated, Windows phones may have screen sizes from 3 to 7.99 inches, which implies that support is expanded both in the both the lower end and the higher end of the range (Windows can currently be used on phones between 3, 5, and 7 inches).

Supporting smaller phones is probably a move to further penetrate the low-end market, and to be able to launch equipment for less than 100 dollars, with Internet connection and access to Microsoft services, which can cannibalize current feature-phones marketed under the Nokia brand.

By supporting phones that are only 3 inches, Microsoft would seek to launch cheap devices that cannibalize Nokia's feature-phones

On the other hand, extending the support to 7.99 inches seems to aim to launch larger phablets. If we add to this the support for digital pens and docks through USB-C ports, it opens the possibility of see something similar to a Surface Mini with phone functions and/or a competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Note.

Regarding RAM memory, different minimum levels are required depending on screen resolution. These minimums can range from 512 MB for phones with 800 x 400 screens, and up to 4 GB for computers with 2560 x 2048 resolution. Again, the That Microsoft offers support for such high resolutions and RAM levels may be a sign that we will soon see phones with these features on the market.

The requirements of Windows 10 for mobile anticipate many new features in the high-end

Finally, Windows 10 continues to require a minimum of 4 GB of space, but specifying that phones that include only the minimum must also offer microSD card slot , so that future updates can be installed in that space. The physical search, back and home buttons are still optional for most computers, except those with 800 x 400 resolution, which must include them by obligation).

Via | Winsupersite