Article ID: 314865 - Last Review: September 14, 2007 - Revision: 4.9

System requirements for Windows XP operating systems

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To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure you're running Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3). For more information, refer to this Microsoft web page: Support is ending for some versions of Windows (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/end-support-windows-xp-sp2-windows-vista-without-service-packs)

For a Microsoft Windows 2000 version of this article, see 304297  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304297/EN-US/ ) .
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SUMMARY

This article contains information about the minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.

MORE INFORMATION

These are the minimum requirements for basic functionality. Actual requirements vary, depending on the system configuration and the programs and features that you choose to install. If you are installing Windows XP over a network, you may need additional available hard-disk space.

The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home Edition are:
  • Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
  • At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
  • At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
  • CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
  • Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
  • Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
  • Sound card
  • Speakers or headphones
For more information about system requirements for Windows XP Home Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx)
For more information about Windows XP Home Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx)
The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Professional include:
  • Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
  • At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
  • At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
  • CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
  • Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
  • Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution
  • Sound card
  • Speakers or headphones
For more information about system requirements for Windows XP Professional, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx)
For more information about Windows XP Professional, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/default.mspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/default.mspx)
APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
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kbenv kbinfo kbsetup KB314865