Microsoft Publishes New Windows 11 Gaming Requirements for Modern PCs

Microsoft published an updated Windows 11 gaming hardware guide that outlines what players should aim for in the coming year. The document explains the difference between minimum specs, mid-range setups, and high end configurations and helps users understand what they need for smooth performance.

What Gaming Specs For Modern Windows 11 Systems Does Microsoft Recommend?

For entry level gaming, Microsoft suggests a modern quad core processor such as the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or Intel Core i5-12400 paired with a GPU like the GTX 1660 Super or Radeon RX 6600. This setup targets solid 1080p play without major compromises.

Mid range gaming moves to 6 core CPUs like the Ryzen 5 7600 or Intel Core i5-13600K along with GPUs such as the RTX 3060 Ti, RTX 4060 Ti, or Radeon RX 6700 XT. This tier handles high quality settings at 1080p and 1440p with smoother frame rates.

High end and 4K setups aim for at least eight cores. Microsoft highlights the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i7-13700K combined with GPUs like the RTX 4080 or Radeon RX 7900 XTX as the level needed for top tier performance.

As for displays, Microsoft explains that refresh rate determines how many times a screen updates each second and suggests 144 Hz as a strong baseline. Competitive players benefit from 165 Hz to 240 Hz panels that deliver more fluid motion.

The company also highlights response time, noting that a 1 to 3 ms range helps reduce ghosting and motion blur. As for panel technology, IPS offers accurate colors and wide viewing angles, VA panels deliver deeper contrast, and OLED brings the best response and true blacks at a higher price.

Microsoft says that 16 GB of RAM is plenty for most games, while 32 GB suits heavy modding or extremely demanding titles. For storage, the company recommends at least a 1 TB SSD, but that might not be enough for heavy gamers. NVMe drives are recommended because gamers benefit by enabling DirectStorage, which allows supported games to send asset data straight to the GPU for significantly faster load times.

Microsoft also did a recap of gaming in 2025 with a focus on handhelds and better support for ARM devices, so don’t miss it for more info.

What do you think about these recommendations? Let us know in the comments!

Via Neowin