Recommended Versions of Microsoft Windows
(Updated 5/25/2010)
Overview
Windows 7 is the latest version of the Microsoft Windows family, replacing Windows XP and Vista. IT is now recommending Windows 7 Professional for new computers. At this time, UC Merced supports 32-bit versions only, as not all applications and utilities function properly with the 64-bit version.
Previously, we had recommended Windows XP. Microsoft is providing continued support for Windows XP until 2014, and IT will continue to support Windows XP Professional (SP3). We do not recommend upgrading from XP to Windows 7 on older computers. However, if you have a newer computer that meets the Windows 7 Professional OS requirements and are currently running XP, you may request an upgrade.
For Windows Vista users, Microsoft plans on providing continued support until 2012. However many Vista users feel that Windows 7 provides a better experience, and you may wish to request an upgrade.
Upgrades
Before upgrading an existing computer to Windows 7, you should take into consideration the system's hardware configurations and any installed software, which may or may not be compatible with Windows 7. Minimum requirements are listed below.
How do I go about requesting an upgrade?
Contact the IT Helpdesk at helpdesk@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-4357. Your request will be assigned to a queuing system and may take up to 30-business days for a Desktop Support Technician to contact you regarding your request. Due to limited resources and the intensive work needed to perform an upgrade, we are obliged to limit the number of upgrades we can perform per week, and ask that you provide as specific information about your system as possible as well as any other relevant details regardng your request.
Windows 7 System Requirements
If you want to run Windows 7 on your PC, here are the minimum requirements:
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Additional requirements to use certain features:
- Internet access (fees may apply)
- Depending on resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
- DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive
- Music and sound require audio output
- Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on
Product functionality and graphics may vary based on your system configuration. Some features may require advanced or additional hardware.
Computer Configuration Recommendations for 2009 – 2010
The recommendations for Windows desktop and laptop computers meet the Vista hardware requirements. Students will generally be able to acquire desktop or laptop computers with only Vista on them (see links below). If you have questions about Vista or its compatibility with campus applications, contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@ucmerced.edu, (209) 228-4357.
- Staff and Faculty - Buying a new computer - Recommended hardware specifications.
- Students - Buying a new computer - Recommended hardware specifications for students.
- Students - Bringing a new computer - Minimum recommended specifications for students, when bringing a previously owned computer.
Looking for help?
We offer a number of tutorials and FAQs available in the Guides & FAQs section.
If you have any questions, problems, or comments, please contact the IT Help Desk via email at helpdesk@ucmerced.edu, via phone at 209.228.HELP (4357), or visit them in the Classroom and Office Building room 132A.