Faculty and Staff Device Requirements

Employees must use a compliant university-managed device for their work. Devices purchased through HuskyBuy and the PC Refresh Program meet modern computing requirements. Device users and fiscal administrators can learn about these specifications.

Technical specifications for computers

Devices must be portable, sufficiently up-to-date, and have adequate memory and storage. They must also be able to run the newest version of their respective operating system (Windows 11 and macOS 26 - Tahoe). This allows them to operate effectively and securely both inside and outside of the UConn environment. Below are the minimum technical specifications for computers:

Minimum specifications Your computer must support and run Windows 11. Windows 10 is no longer supported by Microsoft and is not receiving software updates. Learn more here: Processor Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 5 (devices issued by ITS use Intel processors) Memory (RAM) 16 GB Internal Storage 256 GB solid-state drive (SSD) Recommended specifications Processor Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7 (devices issued by ITS use Intel processors) Memory (RAM) 16 GB or more Internal Storage 512 GB or more solid-state drive (SSD) Important note about Windows on ARM Microsoft has recently unveiled a range of new devices branded as “Copilot+ PCs”. Instead of using a traditional Intel or AMD processor, some these computers use a Snapdragon X-series processor. These use a different computing architecture than the majority of computers on the market. We have done some testing of these machines and while most applications are supported and work well, we have identified a few that are buggy or just refuse to open. Software vendors will need to update their apps to work on these new computers. Until software support improves, we do not recommend buying a Windows on ARM PC.

Your Mac must support and run the newest version of macOS. The current version is macOS 26 “Tahoe”. Minimum specifications Processor Apple M1 Memory (RAM) 16 GB Internal Storage 256 GB solid-state drive (SSD) Recommended specifications Processor Apple M1 or newer Memory (RAM) 16 GB or more Internal Storage 512 GB or more solid-state drive (SSD) Important note about Intel-based Macs In 2020, Apple transitioned from Intel-based processors to Apple silicon. Apple silicon-powered Macs are significantly more powerful and efficient than older models. macOS 27, coming later in 2026, will not support Intel Macs. If you plan to buy a Mac, it must have an Apple silicon M-series processor.

While an iPad is usually not appropriate as a primary device for work, they are supported at UConn for supplementary work purposes. When purchasing an iPad, you should make sure that it can run iPadOS 26, the newest version released in September 2025.

Data encryption requirement

The State of Connecticut requires that all data on state-owned computers be encrypted. When purchasing a Windows PC, the device must have a TPM chip and must be encrypted. Older computers and budget models lack a TPM chip and cannot be encrypted. Apple computers do not require a TPM chip but must be encrypted.

ITS supports computers from Dell and Apple. Buying a device from another manufacturer may limit the ability for ITS to assist. The University has support agreements with both Dell and Apple that enable expedited repairs. If you have any questions, please contact the Technology Support Center at 860-486-4357 or techsupport@uconn.edu.

Warranty

ITS standard is to purchase a minimum of a 3-year warranty on all new computers and tablets.
Laptop computers are purchased with Dell Accidental Damage Protection / Apple AppleCare+.
Dell warranties are ProSupport with next-day parts and service.
iPads are ordered with AppleCare+ 3 years.

Printers

Employee printing is centralized through UPrint. The UPrint program, and the printers within it, are centrally funded by the university. Employees may not purchase printers with university funds and ITS cannot support printers purchased with personal funds.

Recommended devices

If your department or unit participates in the PC Refresh Program, you should talk to your local IT professional or fiscal administrator to request a purchase.

You can buy all of these recommended items through the vendors at HuskyBuy.

Laptop

	Standard usage	High intensity usage

	Standard usage	High intensity usage
Windows	Dell Pro Plus (formerly Dell Latitude), 14” or 16”	Dell Pro Max (formerly Dell Precision), 14” or 16”
Mac	MacBook Air, 13” or 15”	MacBook Pro, 14” or 16”

Monitors

Primary

Dell Pro Plus Video Conferencing Monitor

24” - P2424HEB
27” - P2724DEB
34” (ultra-wide) - P3424WEB

Secondary

Dell Pro Plus USB-C Hub Monitor

24”, FHD - P2425HE
27”, QHD - P2725DE

To learn how to connect these monitors, visit Setting Up Your New Dell Monitors

Accessories

Headset: Lenovo 100 USB Stereo Headset or Logitech H390 USB Headset
Webcam: Logitech C930e
Network adapters: USB-C → Ethernet or USB-A → Ethernet
Video adapter: USB-C → HDMI