Laptop standards (Education)

Laptop standards (Education)

Use the minimum specifications table below as a guideline when acquiring a machine for your 2024-25 courses. These specifications are recommended for successful Ontario Tech University software usage. 

visit suggested devices

	Windows PC	Mac
Operating system	Windows PC Windows 11 64-bit (Pro edition is preferred) Windows 11 S is not supported due to restricted functionality Windows must have the latest updates installed	Mac Mac OS version 12 or higher with Windows 11 installed in a VM or via Boot Camp (Pro edition is preferred).
Processor type	Windows PC Intel: Core i5/ Core Ultra 5 or better AMD: Ryzen 5 or better	Mac Intel: Core i5/ Core Ultra 5 or better Apple Silicon: Any M series CPU
Memory	Windows PC Minimum 16GB RAM	Mac Minimum 16GB RAM
Hard drive	Windows PC Minimum 250GB, 50GB of available space (SSD recommended)	Mac Minimum 250GB, 50GB of available space (SSD recommended)
Graphics card	Windows PC Intel Integrated Graphics or better	Mac Intel Integrated Graphics or better
Wireless network card	Windows PC Card supporting wireless N	Mac Card supporting wireless N
Virus protection	Windows PC An up-to-date Antivirus client is required. Windows Defender is included with Windows 10 at no additional cost.	Mac Antivirus is not required.
Webcam	Windows PC A webcam is required (due to required online courses)	Mac A webcam is required (due to required online courses)
Additional requirements	Windows PC Ontario Tech University projectors support VGA and HDMI only. If your machine does not have a supported display connector, you may be required to purchase an adapter. A machine with an Ethernet adapter is preferred.	Mac Ontario Tech University projectors support VGA and HDMI only. If your machine does not have a supported display connector, you may be required to purchase an adapter. A machine with an Ethernet adapter is preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a Macbook?
Yes, you are allowed to bring a Macbook. However, it must have Windows installed, as some Ontario Tech software is only compatible with Windows.