Windows 10 compatibility

Applies to

WindowsВ 10 will be compatible with most existing PC hardware; most devices running WindowsВ 7, WindowsВ 8, or WindowsВ 8.1 will meet the requirements for WindowsВ 10.

For full system requirements, see Windows 10 specifications. Some driver updates may be required for WindowsВ 10.

Existing desktop (Win32) application compatibility is also expected to be strong, with most existing applications working without any changes. Some applications that interface with Windows at a low level, those that use undocumented APIs, or those that do not follow recommended coding practices could experience issues.

Existing Windows Store (WinRT) apps created for WindowsВ 8 and WindowsВ 8.1 should also continue to work, because compatibility can be validated against all the apps that have been submitted to the Windows Store.

For web apps and sites, modern HTML5-based sites should also have a high degree of compatibility and excellent performance through the new Microsoft Edge browser, while older web apps and sites can continue to use Internet ExplorerВ 11 and the Enterprise Mode features that were first introduced in WindowsВ 7 and WindowsВ 8.1 and are still present in WindowsВ 10. For more information about Internet Explorer and Enterprise Mode, see the Internet Explorer 11 Deployment Guide for IT Pros.

Recommended application testing process

Historically, organizations have performed extensive, and often exhaustive, testing of the applications they use before deployment of a new Windows version, service pack, or any other significant update. With WindowsВ 10, organizations are encouraged to leverage more optimized testing processes, which reflects the higher levels of compatibility that are expected. At a high level:

Identify mission-critical applications and websites, those that are absolutely essential to the organization’s operations. Focus testing efforts on this subset of applications, early in the Windows development cycle (for example, with Windows Insider Program builds) to identify potential issues. Report any issues you encounter with the Windows Feedback tool, so that these issues can be addressed prior to the next Windows release.

For less critical applications, leverage an “internal flighting” or pilot-based approach, by deploying new Windows upgrades to groups of machines, growing gradually in size and potential impact, to verify compatibility with hardware and software. Reactively address issues before you expand the pilot to more machines.

Surface device compatibility with Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)

Surface devices are designed to provide best-in-class experiences in productivity and general-purpose scenarios. Regular updates enable Surface devices to bring to life new innovations and to evolve with the new capabilities delivered by Windows 10 Feature Updates. Feature Updates are available only in Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise editions that receive continuous updates through the Semi-Annual Channel (SAC).

In contrast to the SAC servicing option, formerly known as the Current Branch (CB) or Current Branch for Business (CBB) servicing options, you cannot select the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) option in Windows 10 settings. To use the LTSC servicing option, you must install a separate edition of Windows 10 Enterprise, known as Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, formerly known as Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB (Long-Term Servicing Branch. In addition to providing an extended servicing model, the Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC edition also provides an environment with several Windows components removed. The core Surface experiences that are impacted by LTSC include:

Windows Feature Updates, including enhancements such as:

• Improvements to Direct Ink and palm rejection provided in Windows 10, version 1607 (also referred to as the Anniversary Update)
• Improved support for high DPI applications provided in Windows 10, version 1703 (also referred to as the Creators Update)

Pressure sensitivity settings provided by the Surface app

The Windows Ink Workspace

Key touch-optimized in-box applications including Microsoft Edge, OneNote, Calendar, and Camera

The use of the Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC environment on Surface devices results in sub-optimal end-user experiences and you should avoid using it in environments where users want and expect a premium, up-to-date user experience.

The LTSC servicing option is designed for device types and scenarios where the key attribute is for features or functionality to never change. Examples include systems that power manufacturing or medical equipment, or embedded systems in kiosks, such as ATMs or airport ticketing systems.

For general information about Windows servicing branches, including LTSC, see Overview of Windows as a service.

As a general guideline, devices that fulfill the following criteria are considered general-purpose devices and should be paired with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise using the Semi-Annual Channel servicing option:

Devices that run productivity software such as Microsoft Office

Devices that use Microsoft Store applications

Devices that are used for general Internet browsing (for example, research or access to social media)

Before you choose to use Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC edition on Surface devices, consider the following limitations:

Driver and firmware updates are not explicitly tested against releases of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC.

If you encounter problems, Microsoft Support will provide troubleshooting assistance. However, due to the servicing nature of the Windows LTSC, issue resolution may require that devices be upgraded to a more recent version of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, or to Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise with the SAC servicing option.

Surface device replacements (for example, devices replaced under warranty) may contain subtle variations in hardware components that require updated device drivers and firmware. Compatibility with these updates may require the installation of a more recent version of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise with the SAC servicing option.

Organizations that standardize on a specific version of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC may be unable to adopt new generations of Surface hardware such as Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, or Surface Laptop 3 without also updating to a later version of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. For more information, see the How will Windows 10 LTSBs be supported? topic in the Supporting the latest processor and chipsets on Windows section of Lifecycle Policy FAQ—Windows products.

Surface devices running Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC edition will not receive new features. In many cases these features are requested by customers to improve the usability and capabilities of Surface hardware. For example, new improvements for High DPI applications in Windows 10, version 1703. Customers that use Surface devices in the LTSC configuration will not see the improvements until they either update to a new Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC release or upgrade to a version of Windows 10 with support for the SAC servicing option.

Devices can be changed from Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC to a more recent version of Windows 10 Enterprise, with support for the SAC servicing option, without the loss of user data by performing an upgrade installation. You can also perform an upgrade installation on multiple devices by leveraging the Upgrade Task Sequence Templates available in the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. For more information, see Upgrade Surface devices to Windows 10 with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

Windows 10 in S mode accessory compatibility

Microsoft has introduced Windows 10 in S mode, a specific configuration of Windows 10 that offers a familiar, productive Windows experience that’s streamlined for security and performance. Many hardware accessories and peripherals (such as printers) that work with Windows 10 Home and Pro will work with Windows 10 in S mode, though only with limited functionality in some scenarios. Please check with your accessory manufacturer to learn more.

We are working closely with hardware accessory manufacturers to deliver great experiences for customers using Windows 10 in S mode. Below you will find links to more information from manufacturers based on those efforts. There are also links to information on accessories manufactured by Microsoft.

Note: This information is expected to change over time as we continue to work with device manufacturers to test and improve the experience. This information only applies to PCs with Intel or AMD processors.

Printers and scanners

The following manufacturers provide webpages that discuss use of specific printers and scanners with Windows 10 in S mode. If your manufacturer is not listed, please contact them for compatibility information.

BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD.: English only

Lexmark International, Inc.: English only

Keyboards and mice

The following manufacturers provide webpages that discuss use of specific keyboards and mice with Windows 10 in S mode. If your manufacturer is not listed, please contact them for compatibility information.

Webcams and cameras

The following manufacturers provide webpages that discuss use of specific accessories with Windows 10 in S mode. If your accessory manufacturer is not listed, please contact them for compatibility information.

Other peripherals

Most other hardware accessories will work as designed with a Microsoft provided inbox class driver. Some functionality provided by accompanying software may not be enabled. Please contact your hardware manufacturer for further information.

Can my computer run Windows 10? Run Device & App Compatibility Tool

Can my computer run Windows 10? If you have this question, then this is the post you are looking for. Some of you may want to check your computer for device and app compatibility before you decide to reserve your copy of the Windows 10 Upgrade or install Windows 10. While the Windows 10 System Requirements are the same as they were for Windows 8.1, and if your computer ran Windows 8.1 or Windows 7, it will run Windows 10 too, it may nevertheless be a good idea to check for device and app compatibility too.

Can my computer run Windows 10

The easiest way to do it is to click on the Get Windows 10 app icon in your taskbar to open its window. Click on the 3-lined hamburger menu in the top left the corner. A black panel will slide out from the left side.

Under Getting the upgrade, click on Check your PC link. The scan hardly takes any time, and you will be informed if any apps or devices are not fully compatible with Windows 10.

Windows 10 Device & App Compatibility check

The compatibility report in the Get Windows 10 app makes sure your PC can run Windows 10. The report also lists any problems with your devices, apps, PC, and other important info you need to know before you upgrade.

If there’s a problem with a device connected to your PC, it means your PC can run Windows 10, but the device won’t work correctly after the upgrade because it isn’t fully compatible.

If an app is listed, it means your PC can run Windows 10, but there might be a problem with the app, and you be required to uninstall it later on.

If all goes fine, then you will see a 0 known issues found message.

If your computer does not meet the system requirements or includes incompatible hardware, it means you won’t be able to upgrade your PC to Windows 10. But if you have made changes to your computer, you might want to run the Windows 10 Compatibility Appraiser manually to recheck your system right away.

Is my computer ready for Windows 10? Visit the OEM sites to check!

See this post if you receive Windows 10 will not run on this PC message.

Совместимость с Windows 10 Windows 10 compatibility

Относится к: Applies to

Операционная система Windows 10 будет совместима с большинством имеющихся аппаратных компонентов компьютеров. Большинство устройств под управлением Windows 7, Windows 8 или Windows 8.1 соответствуют требованиям Windows 10. Windows 10 will be compatible with most existing PC hardware; most devices running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 will meet the requirements for Windows 10.

Полные системные требования см. в разделе Характеристики Windows 10. For full system requirements, see Windows 10 specifications. Для Windows 10 может потребоваться обновить некоторые драйверы. Some driver updates may be required for Windows 10.

Ожидается, что большинство существующих классических приложений (Win32) будут поддерживаться в Windows 10 без каких-либо изменений. Existing desktop (Win32) application compatibility is also expected to be strong, with most existing applications working without any changes. В некоторых приложениях, которые взаимодействуют с Windows на низком уровне, используют недокументированные API или не следуют рекомендованным методикам программирования, могут возникать проблемы. Some applications that interface with Windows at a low level, those that use undocumented APIs, or those that do not follow recommended coding practices could experience issues.

Существующие приложения Microsoft Store (WinRT), созданные для Windows 8 и Windows 8.1, также должны работать, так как совместимость можно подтвердить для всех приложений, отправленных в Microsoft Store. Existing Windows Store (WinRT) apps created for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 should also continue to work, because compatibility can be validated against all the apps that have been submitted to the Windows Store.

Что касается веб-приложений и сайтов, то современные сайты на основе HTML5 также должны иметь высокий уровень совместимости и превосходную производительность в новом браузере Microsoft Edge, а более старые веб-приложения и сайты могут продолжать использовать Internet Explorer 11 и возможности режима предприятия, которые были представлены в Windows 7 и Windows 8.1 и поддерживаются в Windows 10. For web apps and sites, modern HTML5-based sites should also have a high degree of compatibility and excellent performance through the new Microsoft Edge browser, while older web apps and sites can continue to use Internet Explorer 11 and the Enterprise Mode features that were first introduced in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 and are still present in Windows 10. Дополнительные сведения о режиме предприятия Internet Explorer см. в руководстве по развертыванию Internet Explorer 11 для ИТ-специалистов. For more information about Internet Explorer and Enterprise Mode, see the Internet Explorer 11 Deployment Guide for IT Pros.

Рекомендуемый процесс тестирования приложений Recommended application testing process

В прошлом организации проводили тщательное и зачастую утомительное тестирование используемых приложений перед развертыванием новой версии Windows, пакета обновления или другого крупного обновления. Historically, organizations have performed extensive, and often exhaustive, testing of the applications they use before deployment of a new Windows version, service pack, or any other significant update. В Windows 10 компаниям рекомендуется использовать более оптимизированные процессы тестирования в силу ожидаемого более высокого уровня совместимости. With Windows 10, organizations are encouraged to leverage more optimized testing processes, which reflects the higher levels of compatibility that are expected. На высоком уровне: At a high level:

Определите критически важные приложения и веб-сайты, которые абсолютно необходимы для работы организации. Identify mission-critical applications and websites, those that are absolutely essential to the organization’s operations. Тщательно протестируйте это подмножество приложений на ранней стадии цикла разработки Windows (например, с использованием сборок программы предварительной оценки Windows), чтобы выявить потенциальные проблемы. Focus testing efforts on this subset of applications, early in the Windows development cycle (for example, with Windows Insider Program builds) to identify potential issues. Сообщите о любых обнаруженных проблемах с помощью средства «Отзывы о Windows», чтобы их можно было устранить до выхода следующего выпуска Windows. Report any issues you encounter with the Windows Feedback tool, so that these issues can be addressed prior to the next Windows release.

Для менее важных приложений используйте фокус-тестирование, разворачивая обновления Windows на группах компьютеров и постепенно увеличивая масштаб и потенциальное влияние развертывания, чтобы проверить совместимость с аппаратным и программным обеспечением. For less critical applications, leverage an “internal flighting” or pilot-based approach, by deploying new Windows upgrades to groups of machines, growing gradually in size and potential impact, to verify compatibility with hardware and software. Устраняйте выявленные проблемы, прежде чем распространять пилотное развертывание на другие компьютеры. Reactively address issues before you expand the pilot to more machines.