Windows 8 Hardware Requirements Identical to Windows 7

If you thought Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 operating system would require an additional RAM and a faster processor, you’d be wrong. Microsoft’s Tami Reller, who is the Corporate VP for the Windows division has stated that Windows 8 wouldn't require additional resources. This means that you would be able to continue using your existing desktop or notebook. She mentioned that this was an important part of Windows 8 for business customers. There’s clearly no lack of good hardware in the market today and there shouldn’t be a need to keep upgrading it, everytime a new version of the OS is launched. Windows 7 doesn’t demand a whole lot from today’s hardware. For example, Windows 7 can run just about OK on a 1GHz processor with 1GB of memory and 16GB of disk space. Most of today’s PCs have much higher specs in that aspect.

Breathe easy, your current hardware will do just fine

The other reason for concern has been software compatibility. Microsoft COO, Kevin Turner has also said that Windows 8 will be backward compatible, as well. Microsoft spoke about Windows 8 at their Worldwide Partner Conference. Although, no demonstrations or new features of the OS were displayed, that’s expected to happen at the BUILD conference, between September 13th to 16th.