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Check your hardware for Windows 8 compatibility
Ready or not, Windows 8 is coming fast. Microsoft has set up a Web site to check compatibility with your current hardware and software.
Rob Lightner
Rob Lightner is a tech and gaming writer based in Seattle. He has reviewed games, gadgets, and technical manuals, written copy for space travel gear, and composed horoscopes for cats.
The Compatibility Center for Windows 8 is a simple-to-use Web site to check whether your favorite hardware or software will work with the next version of Windows. Here's how to use it:
- Point your browser here.
- You can either search for a particular product in the top bar or browse product categories using the sidebar.
- When results arrive, it's easy to see whether a particular device or package is compatible. You may want to toggle the 32-bit/64-bit version control near the top right, depending on your system.
- If you aren't sure about the name or model number of a particular piece of hardware, just start up your Control Panel, select "Hardware & Sound," then select "Device Manager." This should bring up an exhaustive list of hardware attached to your computer.
That's it! You can also download the Consumer Preview of Windows 8 from the same site if you're so inclined.