Recommended Personal Computer Configurations

When students, faculty, and staff are looking for new personal computers, they often contact IT for advice. While IT does not sell computers to users for personal use, we can give you a few basic ideas on things to consider when making your purchase.

Click here for links to vendors who offer educational discounts on hardware.

Knowing what you plan to spend on your initial purchase, as well as over the lifespan of your computer, will dictate many of your other decisions. You should try to buy a computer that will last you four years, but you may end up buying a new one after two. The saying "you get what you pay for" applies very strongly to computers. Purchasing a lower-end laptop will typically result in a shorter life span. ​

Please note that these are recommendations for general use computers. Curriculums that use data intensive calculations or require enhanced graphics capabilities may recommend different specifications. Check with your department for more information.

​Windows PC Computer Configuration Recommendations

Following are the computer configurations we recommend for UWSP students. Check with the department within your major for additional curriculum-specific recommendations.

Minimum Standard Configuration

  • Intel i5 8th Gen / AMD Ryzen 5 2nd Gen / Apple M1 series
  • 8 GB RAM minimum
  • 500 GB solid state (SSD) hard drive minimum
  • Web cam / mic / speakers​
  • Wireless: 802.11 g/n dual band (2.4/5.0 GHz)
  • Laptop Security Cable Lock (highly recommended for resident students)
  • Windows 10 Professional/ Windows 11 / macOS 12 or higher

The Windows 10 operating system should not be used after its end of support date on October 14th 2025.  At this time, Windows 10 computers will receive no further software updates including important security updates that Microsoft regularly provides to help protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Recommended Configuration

  • Intel i5 11th Gen / AMD Ryzen 5 4th Gen / Apple M2 series
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 1 TB solid state (SSD) hard drive or larger
  • Web cam / mic / speakers
  • Network: 10/100/1000 BASE-T Ethernet
  • Wireless: 802.1x n/ac/ax (2.4/5.0/6.0 GHz)
  • Laptop Security Cable Lock (highly recommended for Resident students)
  • ​​Windows 11 / macOS 14 or higher

Addi​tional Recommendations

Accessories
When purchasing wireless accessories choose dual band technology (2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz capable).

Cable​s
You may need to purchase accessories that are not included with a new computer purchase such as a DVI, HDMI or display port cable for your monitor, network cable, and surge protector.

Operating Systems
We support computers running Windows 10, Windows 11, and the latest three versions of macOS​​ on campus. PCs should have all current patches and updates installed.

A new OS version is typically provided by Apple each year. UWSP Information Technology supports the latest three versions.

Printers
Students do not need to bring a personal printer to school. Printing is included with student tuition and printers are available in the Residence Halls and academic buildings. More information about printing on campus is available on our Printing page.

Software
Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud are available for personal installation for faculty and staff.

Warranty
 Most retail computers have a 1 year warranty. We suggest that you upgrade the manufacturer's warranty to at least 3 years.

Laptop warranties generally do not cover screen damage, such as cracking. Check with the manufacturer to see if they offer accidental damage coverage in lieu of the standard warranty.

Wireless Routers
Routers are prohibited on the campus network (this includes the Residence Halls).​​​​​