Windows Operating System is Required

The School of Business has standardized on the Windows operating system for two primary reasons: 1) to ensure compatibility with required course software and 2) the Windows operating system is the predominant operating system used in business. The specifications listed below will meet your computing needs during your tenure at Wake Forest University.

Can I use my company-issued laptop?

Students must have the ability to install software on their laptops. Some courses require the use of Excel Add-ins or other statistical analysis software packages. Company-issued laptops often have security restrictions that prevent users from downloading files and installing software/printers; therefore, it is strongly recommended that students use a personal laptop for their coursework. If you have any questions, please contact us at 336.758.4126.

Minimum PC Requirements

  • Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i5 Quad Core or better
  • Memory: 8 GB minimum (16 GB preferred)
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8, 10 or 11
  • Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB minimum
  • Display: 12.5 inches or larger
  • Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (MUST support the WPA-2 security protocol)
  • Camera: Integrated or external video camera for video conferencing, video upload assignments
  • Software:
How do I check my PC specifications?

Minimum Mac Requirements

Students are strongly encouraged to use a PC instead of a Mac. However, if you insist on using a Mac, you must also run the Windows operating system and Office for Windows in order to support the software required for your courses.

  • Model Year: 2019 or Newer
  • Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i5 Quad Core or better
    NOTE: There are known compatibility issues with laptops with the M1 chip.  We recommend against purchasing a Mac with an M1 chip until those issues have been resolved.
  • Memory: 8 GB Minimum (16 GB recommended for VMware)
  • Operating System: macOS Catalina or higher
  • Hard Disk Drive: 256 GB Minimum
  • Display: 12 inches or larger
  • Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (MUST support the WPA-2 security protocol)
  • Camera: Integrated or external video camera for video conferencing, video upload assignments
  • Software:
How do I check my Mac specifications?

 

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