Minimum Office PC specs in 2025

The October 2025 deadline has come and gone. Here's what you need to know to get your business PCs onto Windows 11.

Is your business ready for the end of Windows 10?

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. For the average user that means no more crucial security updates unless they signed up for extended support — and extended support is not something to lean on until it expires.

If you are curious about moving to a free platform with lower hardware requirements, look at our Linux alternatives guide.

Microsoft 365 Apps will no longer be supported on Windows 10 devices [after October 14, 2025]. To use Microsoft 365 Applications on your device, you will need to upgrade to Windows 11.

The deadline doesn't only affect the operating system. Support for several other key business products also ended in 2025:

• Office 2016 and Office 2019
• All server products from 2019 or older — Exchange, SQL and Windows Server

For business continuity, security and access to essential tools like Microsoft 365, upgrading company PCs to Windows 11 isn't just recommended — it's essential. Whether you can depends on your current hardware.

Recommended PC specifications for business

Microsoft's official minimum requirements are one thing; the specification needed for a smooth, productive, frustration-free workday is another. Below are our recommended functional specifications for a business PC running Windows 11 Professional. For small-form-factor options, see our Mini PC article.

Processor (CPU)

The processor is the engine of the computer. An underpowered CPU causes bottlenecks and slows down everyday tasks.

• Recommended minimum: Intel 8th generation (for example the i5-8400) or AMD Ryzen 3000 series and newer — processors from 2018 onwards.
• Performance benchmark: for a reliable workflow, aim for a PassMark CPU Mark score of 9,200 or greater. Good performance sits at 14,000–25,000 and high performance at 25,000 and above. For reference, a modern mid-range Intel i5-12400 scores around 19,500.
• Future-proofing new systems: consider CPUs with a built-in Neural Processing Unit for upcoming AI features, such as the Intel Core Ultra series or AMD Ryzen AI 300 series.
• In 2026 we recommend any of the Intel Core Ultra processors.

Memory (RAM)

RAM is critical for multitasking. Insufficient memory is a common cause of slowdowns when Outlook, Teams, Excel and a web browser are all open at once.

• Bare minimum: 8GB. It will function, but it isn't recommended for new purchases.
• Recommended minimum: 16GB. This is the standard for a productive office experience.
• Ideal: 32GB or more. Specialist use such as design and DTP wants 64GB–128GB.
• New systems should support modern DDR5 RAM.
• In 2026: the price of RAM is a huge factor, but never buy a system under 8GB — still aim for 16GB.

Storage

The type and size of the drive dramatically affect boot times, file access and application loading speeds.

• Absolute minimum: an SSD is non-negotiable. Mechanical hard drives are obsolete as a primary OS drive and must be upgraded.
• Recommended minimum: a 500GB NVMe SSD. A 250GB drive fills up quickly, which hinders performance and reliability. Aim for 1TB for long-term support.
• New systems: a 500GB to 1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD for performance and longevity. If users need more space, consider secondary internal drives, cloud storage or a NAS.

Motherboard and security

The motherboard has to support the security features Windows 11 requires.

• Requirement: support for UEFI and Secure Boot.
• TPM 2.0: get a TPM 2.0-compliant system for security and Windows 11 compatibility.
• Compatibility: any motherboard supporting the processors above — typically 2018 onwards — will meet these requirements.

Display

A quality display reduces eye strain and improves productivity by letting more information be viewed at once.

• Recommended minimum: a 24-inch display at 1920×1080 (Full HD). This is no longer the norm in 2026, where 2.5K is the recommendation.
• The new standard: a 27-inch display at 2560×1440 (Quad HD, 2.5K). That balance suits modern websites, large spreadsheets and documents side by side, with 3840×2160 (4K) as the gold standard.
• Note: older displays at 1280×720 (HD) or less are no longer adequate for a modern office.

Summary of recommendations

Component	Recommended minimum (existing PCs)	Recommended standard
Processor (CPU)	Intel 8th Gen / AMD Ryzen 3000+	Intel Core Ultra / AMD Ryzen 5000+ (NPU enabled)
Memory (RAM)	16GB DDR4	16 to 32GB+ DDR5
Storage	500GB NVMe SSD	1TB Gen4 NVMe SSD
Display	24" Full HD (1920×1080)	27" Quad HD 2.5K (2560×1440)

An SSD, 16GB and a 2018-or-newer CPU. Below that, you're buying frustration.

Our hardware picks

Here are our top recommendations for a budget-friendly, reliable and AI-capable office setup.

Desktop PC

For a compact, speedy and future-proof machine we recommend the ASUS NUC 14 PRO Mini PC. This small-form-factor PC packs a serious punch. It runs Intel's Core Ultra processors — either the Ultra 5 125H or the more powerful Ultra 7 155H — which include a dedicated NPU for handling upcoming AI tasks efficiently. That makes it a smart investment for the future of work, with excellent performance for all business applications in a reliable, energy-efficient package.

Business monitor

A good monitor is crucial for productivity and reducing eye strain. For business use, look for these specifications:

• Size and resolution: 27 inches at QHD (2560×1440).
• Panel type: IPS. This is critical for accurate colours and wide viewing angles.
• Ergonomics: tilt and height adjustment are essential.
• Bonus: USB-C connectivity for a single-cable connection to laptops.