Kansas State University

Check compatibility of software, hardware with Windows 7, 8, RT operating systems

Submitted by Charles Appelseth

Microsoft has developed a website where you can check the compatibility of hardware and software with Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows RT operating systems. Check compatibility at Microsoft's Windows compatibility center.

If you're buying a new device or upgrading an existing computer, it's important to check this because current software and hardware may not work with the newer operating systems. 

For example, if you want to check your favorite software's compatibility:

1. Go to Microsoft's Windows compatibility center.
2. In the drop-down menu in the top right corner, select an operating system.
3. Type the software name in the Search box and click Search.
4. On the results page, find the software version you're interested in. If applicable, click it for more information.

Windows RT is a slightly different version of Windows 8 designed for tablet devices. Current versions of software most likely will not work on Windows RT.

For more IT news, see K-State’s IT News blog at blogs.k-state.edu/it-news.