Windows Vista System Requirements
These are the minimum hardware requirements based on Microsoft logo program specs. Vista Capable means it can run the operating system. Premium Ready is minimum to run the higher end versions of Vista and deliver a decent end-user experience (support Aero graphics and other multimedia functions). Below this is a another table with feature specific hardware requirements. See also the article on best hardware for a good Vista Experience.

Level

Windows Vista

Capable

Windows Vista

Premium Ready

SKU

All

Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate

Processor

Modern processor (at least 800 MHz)

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

System Memory

512 MB

1 GB

GPU

DirectX 9 Capable

(WDDM Support recommended)

Runs Windows® Aero™

Graphics

Memory

 

128 MB3

HDD

 

40 GB

HDD Free Space

 

15 GB

Optical Drive

 

DVD-ROM Drive (may be external)

Audio

 

Audio output capability

Internet

 

Internet access capability

Other

Meets criteria for “Designed for Windows XP” or “Designed for Windows XP x64” logo

 

“Premium Ready” means that Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, when run on a Windows XP-based PC, indicates that the system will run Windows Aero and a premium edition of Windows Vista (no relationship to Windows Vista Premium Logo)
Note: This is for informational purposes only - to actually sell systems with these logos requires participating in the Microsoft Windows Vista program.

Feature-Specific Requirements

Feature

Requirement

Applicable Editions

TV Tuning

A TV tuner card and remote control which complies with the Windows Vista Remote Control Specification is required for TV functionality and an optimal TV viewing experience.  1 GB of system memory is recommended for best Media Center performance.

Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate

Windows Aero User Interface

 

The system has a WDDM driver installed, a DirectX9-class GPU that supports Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware, the graphic system is configured for (and supports) 32 bits per pixel, passes the Windows Aero Acceptance Test (this is in the WDK)

Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business

BitLocker™ Full Volume Encryption

Requires an integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 chip or USB 2.0 key

Windows Vista Ultimate

Tablet PC Features

These features require a PC which meets the Tablet PC specification that includes an electromagnetic digitizer a pen.

Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business

System Memory

1 GB of system memory is recommended to ensure optimal performance when demanding application loads occur such as TV recording, high definition video playback, high-end gaming, photo or video editing.

Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business

Internet

Microsoft recommends that all PC’s have internet connection ability. Minimally, this requires a 56Kbps modem. Best performance is obtained via interfaces that support broadband or better throughput: USB, 1394, wired Ethernet, or wireless connections.

Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business