Microsoft Corp. said that its next-generation Windows 8 operating system will work on both current and even older machines. Similar, or even lower, hardware requirements will not only allow simple installation of the OS onto existing personal computers, but will also enable smooth user experience on ultra low-power systems

“The breadth of hardware choice is unique to Windows and is central to how we see Windows evolving. In both of our Windows 8 previews, we talked about continuing on with the important trend that we started with Windows 7, keeping system requirements either flat or reducing them over time. Windows 8 will be able to run on a wide range of machines because it will have the same requirements or lower,” said Tami Reller, corporate vice president and chief financial officer of Windows & Windows Live division at Microsoft's worldwide partner conference.

Minimum hardware requirements of Windows 7 include 1GHz x86 microprocessor, 1GB or 2GB of memory, DirectX 9-supporting graphics hardware, up to 20GB of hard disk drives. The requirements are similar to Windows Vista that was released back in 2007. Besides, the list of hardware is similar to specifications of modern platforms for tablets and other ultra-portable devices. That said, it is clear that Windows 8 will be able to run on slates and similar PCs.

In fact, Windows 8 will also support a capability to tailor its requirements for particular hardware in order to maximize the experience. Such a technology will not only be useful for current-generation desktops and notebooks, but also for media tablets running Windows 8.

“We have also built intelligence into Windows 8 so that it can adapt to the user experience based on the hardware of the user. So, whether you're upgrading an existing PC, or buying a new one, Windows will adapt to make the most of that hardware. For our business customers, your customers, this is an important element because the ability of Windows 8 to run on Windows 7 devices ensures that the hardware investments that these customers are making today will be able to take advantage of Windows 8 in the future,” added Ms. Reller.

Microsoft Windows 8 is due in 2012.

Tags: Microsoft, Windows