Below are the minimum recommended device requirements for a successful learning experience both on campus and remotely across all the SMPH educational programs.  A general rule of thumb for laptop hardware would be to plan to replace it around every 4-5 years from date of last purchase to ensure that you are able to run the latest operating systems and security updates.  SMPH learners are expected to have regular and consistent access to a device that meets these minimum requirements.

*headset with microphone will also be needed for many educational sessions

PC Requirements:

Supported Operating System Editions: Windows 10 (Education, Pro Education, Enterprise editions), or Windows 11 (Education, Pro, Enterprise editions)

NOTE:   UW Madison students can obtain an upgrade key, for converting/upgrading a Windows Home edition to a Windows Education edition.  For more information on upgrading Windows Home to Windows Education click here.

Device encryption with BitLocker is required. 

Having a supported, and up to date version of Windows is required. (click here to see current supported version numbers)

Alternate versions of Windows 10, such as Windows RT and Windows 10 S, and Windows 10 Home are NOT supported.

Only genuine, U.S.-English versions of Windows Operating Systems are supported.

Tablet devices are NOT supported as primary devices other than Surface Pro type hybrid devices running full versions Windows 10 or Windows 11.

CPU Processor: Intel Core i5 processor, or greater

RAM: 16GB, or higher

HardDrive: 256GB SSD, or higher

Screen Resolution: 1280x768, or better

Webcam

Microphone

Mac Requirements:

Supported Operating Systems: macOS Monterey12.x, Ventura 13.x, or Sonoma 14.x (click here to see current supported version numbers)

                Only genuine versions of Mac Operating Systems are supported.

                iPads are not supported as primary devices.

                Device encryption with FileVault is required.

CPU Processor: Intel Core i5 processor or greater, M1 processor or greater.

RAM: 16GB, or higher

HardDrive: 256GB SSD, or higher

Screen Resolution: 1280x768, or better

Webcam

Microphone

Related articles

Additional recommendations from UW-Madison for Learning Online:

Technology Tips & Tools - https://it.wisc.edu/learn/learning-online-technology-tips-tools/

Many computer manufacturers and retailers offer discounts on computers to eligible students. Below are a few examples you may want to consider.

APPLE EDUCATION PRICING

DELL EDUCATION PRICING

UNIVERSITY BOOK STORE