Updated: July 11, 2020 (December 15, 2008)

Netbook Hardware and Windows Requirements

Michael analyzed and wrote about Microsoft's operating systems, including the Windows client OS, as well as compliance and governance. Michael... more

This chart shows typical netbook hardware specifications, with the minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home and Windows Vista Home Basic, and recommended Windows Vista Home Premium requirements to run Windows Aero.

	Typical Netbook	Windows XP Home (Minimum)	Windows Vista Home Basic (Minimum)	Windows Vista Home Premium With Aero (Recommended)
Processor Speed	1.60GHz	233MHz	800MHz	1GHz
RAM	512MB—2GB	64MB	512MB	1GB
Hard Disk Storage	4GB—120GB	1.5GB	20GB	40GB
Graphics Support	WVGA	Super VGA	Super VGA	N/A
Graphics API	Varies by model	N/A	N/A	DirectX 9
Pixel Shader 2.0 Hardware	Varies by model	N/A	N/A	Required
WDDM Driver	Varies by model	N/A	N/A	Required
Bits per Pixel	Varies by model	N/A	N/A	32
Video Memory	Shared system	N/A

Atlas Members have full access

Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.

Membership Options

Already have an account? Login Now