Northwestern Computer Requirements
Northwestern’s computer requirements are specifically intended for traditional undergraduate students (residential and commuters).
These requirements ensure that the laptop you purchase will meet the needs of your coursework throughout your time at Northwestern. Contact your Faculty Advisor for any course or major-specific recommendations or review the department-specific computer requirements in the table of contents.
Some websites, tools, applications, and services are primarily designed to work with Windows. Most will work on macOS and Safari, but you may occasionally encounter compatibility issues with macOS. Other operating systems, such as Chromebooks or Tablets, are not recommended due to incompatibility reasons.
Windows Hardware Requirements
Most laptops purchased in the last four years should meet these requirements:
CPU:
Required: i5, i7 or AMD equivalent
Memory:
Required: 16GB+
Internal Storage:
Required: 256GB SSD or more (solid state drive)
Warranty: Each student is strongly encouraged to have an extended warranty to cover the life of their laptop (3-4 years). This will help prevent unplanned costs and downtime for the student, or parents, in the event of a hardware malfunction or failure.
Windows Software Requirements
Operating System: Windows 11 or the latest Windows OS
Antivirus: Northwestern requires that all students have an Antivirus Program installed on their computer with up-to-date virus definitions before they are allowed to access on the network. Windows Defender is free and already installed on all Windows based computers.
Office Suite: All active UNW students have free access to Office 365 for their computer and mobile devices upon enrollment and can obtain the latest version of Microsoft Office Suite here.
Mac Hardware Requirements
Most Mac laptops purchased in the last four years will meet the minimum requirements:
CPU:
Required: M3 or M4
Memory:
Required: 16GB+
Internal Storage:
Required: 256GB SSD or more (solid state drive)
Warranty: Each student is strongly encouraged to purchase AppleCare for their laptop (3 years). This will help prevent unplanned costs and downtime for the student, or parents, in the event of a hardware malfunction or failure.
Mac Software Requirements
Operating System: macOS 14 (Sonoma) or the latest macOS
Antivirus: Northwestern requires that all students have an Antivirus Program installed on their computer with up-to-date virus definitions before they are allowed to access on the network.
Office Suite: All active UNW students have free access to Office 365 for their computer and mobile devices upon enrollment and can obtain the latest version of Microsoft Office Suite here.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks may be a desirable alternative to a laptop however; they will not meet your needs as a student or course-work requirements for your area of study.
Tablets
A tablet can be a great companion tool for use at Northwestern; most major brand Android, Apple, and Windows Mobile tablets can be registered on the Northwestern wireless network. However, some tablets are not compatible with all campus websites, applications, or services and may not meet all your needs as a student. At this time, a tablet is not an adequate standalone substitute for a laptop.
Department Specific Computer Requirements
Certain majors will require different computer requirements. Click the link below to learn about department specific requirements: