Ever since Windows 7 hit the scene in October 2009, Microsoft has been determined not to repeat the horror of "Vista Capable - Vista Ready" and instead present users with clearer hardware requirements. In essence, if a computer can run Windows 7, it should also run Windows 8.x and Windows 10 (with a few exceptions). Now that the Anniversary Update is fast approaching, Microsoft has announced that the new minimum RAM for Windows 10 32-bit is 2 GB, bringing it in line with the x64 version.
The relationship between Windows and RAM has always been delicate, so to speak. When Windows 95 appeared requiring a minimum of 4 MB, many users were forced to postpone upgrading due to lack of memory, but the situation became more serious years later with the requirements of Windows Vista. The difference between Vista and XP proved to be too wide, and it clearly dynamited the adoption process. Once Windows 7 arrived, its hardware requirements were much more reasonable for the era and the general cost of computers. Since then, the giant from Redmond has managed to keep a minimum hardware of 1 GHz on the processor and 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit builds. The jump from Windows 7 to Windows 8 imposed new restrictions on the CPU (SSE2, PAE and NX, which left out several Pentium 4s), but retained frequencies and amounts.
With the Anniversary Update for Windows 10 just around the corner, things are about to change. According to Microsoft's documentation, the new minimum RAM for Windows 10 x86 32-bit goes up to 2 GB. This places the requirements on par with the x64 versions and, in a way, unifies them. The RAM change is undoubtedly the most relevant piece of information for end users, but manufacturers interested in preinstalling Windows 10 will also need to consider other factors. The minimum screen size for desktop versions is now 7 inches, and both TPM and Secure Boot remain mandatory.
The big question is: What will happen to systems that currently have Windows 10 and 1 GB of RAM? Many of them cannot expand their memory because they are hybrid tablets or have a similar integrated design. If we remember the mandatory update profile of Windows 10, they will most likely receive the Anniversary Update anyway, but Microsoft will declare that there is no support under those configurations. All doubts will be cleared on July 29, when the new update arrives and the free upgrade offer for Windows 10 ends.
