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Yes, on a results page, click anywhere on the product listing to bring up a product details page
Links under the compatibility status will take you directly to a download page for the driver or software upgrade you need. Additional links on the left side of the page go to the manufacturer's or publisher's homepage, support site, and contact page.
To determine product compatibility status for the Windows Compatibility Center, we consider the following:
- The product has passed Windows certification requirements and received a logo, which indicates it has met Microsoft testing requirements for compatibility with either Windows 8, Windows RT and/or Windows 7.
- The app publisher or device manufacturer stated this products works with Windows 8, Windows RT and/or Windows 7. Please note that these products have not undergone certification tests and may or may not be fully supported by the manufacturer. You should visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
- Windows 8 is designed with compatibility in mind. If an app or device ran on Windows 7, our goal is that it should run on Windows 8. During Windows development, we test most of the popular products and we are providing compatibility statements based on this testing. For products we have not tested, compatibility statements for Windows 8 are being provided based on the product's compatibility status for Windows 7.
We also take your feedback into account and make updates accordingly so don’t forget to vote. Since compatibility status can change, please check back for updates.
We use four different icons so you can identify a product's compatibility status with Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows 7.
The "Compatible" icon means the product is expected to work with Windows 8, Windows RT or Windows 7. Usually, you won't need to do anything to ensure compatibility, and you'll see "No action required" below "Compatible" on the product's detail page. However, if a manufacturer or publisher offers a newer version or extra software is required, you'll find an additional link to the publisher’s website.
The "Action recommended" icon indicates that you may need a solution to ensure that a product will work properly with Windows. Often a free upgrade is available, but some publishers may require a fee-based upgrade to the newest version. In either case, below "Action recommended" you'll find a link to the publisher’s website.
The "Not compatible" icon means the product is not compatible, or is not expected to work with Windows. You can try these compatibility troubleshooting steps or visit the Microsoft Community forum to get additional help and tips from the community.
The "No info" icon means we are working to confirm whether or not this product works with Windows. We update information frequently, so check back soon. In the meantime, these options are available:
"Compatible - Windows 8" certification means this product met Microsoft testing requirements for compatibility with 64-bit and 32-bit Windows 8. To earn the "Compatible with Windows 8" logo, apps and devices must pass Microsoft-designed installation, performance, reliability and security tests so you can be sure these products are compatible with Windows 8.
"Compatible - Windows 8 and Windows RT" certification means this product met Microsoft testing requirements for compatibility with Windows 8 and Windows RT. To earn the "Compatible with Windows 8 and Windows RT" logo, devices must pass Microsoft designed installation, performance, reliability and security tests so you can be sure these products are compatible with Windows 8 and Windows RT.
"Compatible - Windows 7" certification means this product met Microsoft testing requirements for compatibility with 64-bit and 32-bit Windows 7. To earn the "Compatible with Windows 7" logo, apps and devices must pass Microsoft-designed installation, performance, reliability and security tests so you can be sure these products are compatible with Windows 7.
Windows RT is a new Windows-based operating system that is optimised for thin and light PCs which have extended battery life and are designed for life on the go. Windows RT works exclusively with apps installed from the Windows Store so you never have to worry about whether the software you're installing is compatible. Windows Update automatically keeps your PC up to date and Windows Defender provides up-to-date virus and malware protection. Visit the Windows RT FAQ to learn more.
The media transfer protocol (MTP) is a system devised by Microsoft that allows for the synchronisation of media files between a personal computer and a device such as a smart phone, digital camera or MP3 player. MTP is now the most common transfer protocol supported by most hardware manufacturers.
The MTP protocol first appeared over ten years ago in Windows XP SP2. Many partners adopted the protocol immediately; however, widespread adoption in digital cameras, camcorders, media players and smartphones was achieved in the last five years.
Bluetooth adapters
Windows RT has Bluetooth capabilities already built-in, additional adapters are not needed.
Camcorders
All camcorders that support media transfer protocol (MTP) are compatible with Windows RT.
Digital camcorders
All digital cameras that support media transfer protocol (MTP) are compatible with Windows RT.
Digital media receivers
Windows RT certified DLNA digital media receivers are compatible on Windows RT through the "Play To" feature found in the new Windows 8 user interface (device charm).
Digital picture frames
Digital picture frames that support the "PlayTo" protocol and are certified for Windows RT are compatible with Windows RT.
Pictures can be displayed using the Windows 8 device charm in the new Windows RT user interface, or can be transferred using storage devices supported by the Digital Picture Frame.
Displays
Computer displays and TV monitors are compatible with Windows RT.
Docking station
Simple port replicators will provide additional compatible USB ports on Windows RT.
External hard drives
External storage devices are compatible with Windows RT.
Additional hardware functionalities such as "backup buttons" are not compatible with Windows RT.
Game controllers
Game controllers based on XInput are compatible with Windows RT. Click here to learn more about XInput.
Headsets
Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) headsets (speaker and microphone) are compatible with Windows RT. Buttons with device specific functionalities (e.g. call button) are not compatible with Windows RT.
iPod/iPad
iPods and iPads use a proprietary protocol that is not compatible with Windows RT and are thus not compatible with Windows RT.
Keyboards
Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) keyboards and keypads along with the following key control buttons are compatible with Windows RT:
- Volume (up/down)
- Mute
- Scan (next, previous)
- Play/Pause/Stop
- Calculator
Additional functionalities may not work.
PS/2 based keyboards are not compatible with Windows RT.
Media players
MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) based media players are compatible with full functionality on Windows RT.
Mice
Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) 3 and 5 button mice with horizontal and vertical smooth scrolling are compatible with Windows RT. Additional functionalities will not work on Windows RT.
Mobile broadband
USB connected mobile broadband modems that support the Windows RT mobile broadband class driver are compatible with Windows RT. For more info contact your provider.
Mobile phone / Smart phones
MTP based mobile phones and smart phones are compatible with Windows RT.
Network attached storage
Network attached storage (NAS) devices are compatible with Windows RT.
Optical drives (CD/RW - DVD/DVDRW - Blu-Ray - FD)
Playback and CD/DVD writing functionalities are not compatible with Windows RT. It is, however, possible to access data files through a USB connected optical drive.
Other input devices
Input devices like numeric keypads, trackball mice and dictation microphones are not compatible with Windows RT.
Printers: Ink-jet & laser
Printing will work on Windows RT machines. Other functionalities may be available, depending on the manufacturer.
Printers: Multifunction (MFP)/All-In-One
Printing will work on Windows RT machines. Other functionalities may be available, depending on the manufacturer.
On most MFPs, USB scanning and fax will not work on Windows RT. Check with the manufacturer for details.
MFPs network printing and scanning will work on Windows RT.
Scanners
Most USB connected scanners are not compatible with Windows RT. Network connected scanners are compatible with Windows RT.
Smartcard readers
All smartcard readers that comply with the USB CCID specification are compatible with Windows RT. Click here to learn more about these specifications.
Stylus pen
Stylus pens are not compatible with Windows RT.
Webcams
Only built-in webcams are compatible with Windows RT. USB based webcams are not compatible with Windows RT.
Wireless router
All Windows RT systems will be able to connect to a network using wireless routers.
Find your specific device type below to see what device functionality is supported on Windows RT:
Digital media receivers
Windows RT certified DLNA digital media receivers are compatible on Windows RT through the "Play To" feature found in the new Windows 8 user interface (device charm).
External hard drives
External storage devices are compatible with Windows RT.
Additional hardware functionalities such as "backup buttons" are not compatible with Windows RT.
Headsets
Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) headsets (speaker and microphone) are compatible with Windows RT. Buttons with device specific functionalities (e.g. call button) are not compatible with Windows RT.
Keyboards
Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) keyboards and keypads along with the following key control buttons are compatible with Windows RT:
- Volume (up/down)
- Mute
- Scan (next, previous)
- Play/Pause/Stop
- Calculator
Additional functionalities may not work.
PS/2 based keyboards are not compatible with Windows RT.
Mice
Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) 3 and 5 button mice with horizontal and vertical smooth scrolling are compatible with Windows RT. Additional functionalities will not work on Windows RT.
Printers: Ink-jet & laser
Printing will work on Windows RT machines. Other functionalities may be available, depending on the manufacturer.
Printers: Multifunction (MFP)/All-In-One
Printing will work on Windows RT machines. Other functionalities may be available, depending on the manufacturer.
On most MFPs, USB scanning and fax will not work on Windows RT. Check with the manufacturer for details.
MFPs network printing and scanning will work on Windows RT.
The terms "x86" (sometimes denoted as 32-bit) and "x64" (sometimes denoted as 64-bit) refer to the way a computer's processor handles information. The 32-bit versions of the Windows operating system can use up to 3 gigabytes (GB) of memory while the 64-bit versions of Windows can use more memory (up to 128 GB of RAM). More memory helps increase overall system and app performance, especially with applications optimised for 64-bit. For more details on 64-bit Windows, visit this FAQ.
To find out which type of Windows is installed on your computer:
If you’re running Windows 8:
- From the Start screen, type ‘System properties’, click on the System Properties tile
- Under System, view the System type.
If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows Vista:
Click Start
, click Computer, then click System properties.
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Under System, view the System type
If you're running Windows XP:
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
On the General tab, view the System type.
The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will scan your PC to determine what's compatible and provide a report that you can save or print.
If the product you're looking for isn't listed in the Compatibility Center, please suggest an additional product for us to consider adding using the Feedback link at the top of any page. Although we cannot respond directly to you, we review all suggestions to continually update our information and add new products. Check back often.
You'll find information on thousands of apps and devices for both home users and businesses. We frequently add products to the Compatibility Center, so check back if you don't see a product listed. Alternatively, you can submit Feedback and fill out a quick form to suggest that we add a product. Although we cannot respond directly to suggestions, we review all of them to continually update our information.
We provide local Compatibility Center websites in the following countries:
Software and hardware partners: You can update your apps compatibility status or add apps using the Partner Submission Portal.
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The Windows 8 Setup program will scan your PC to determine whether it can run Windows 8, which app and devices are compatible, and provide a report that you can save or print.
If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows Vista:
Click Start
, and in the Start Search box, type winver and then click the result.
If you're running Windows XP:
Click Start, click Run, type winver and then click OK.
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To see if you can benefit from updating your laptop or desktop component drivers for functions like video and networking, you will need to visit your PC manufacturer's website. Here is a list of popular PC manufacturers' support sites to get you started:
Sometimes your hardware devices will need to have updated drivers. There may also come a time when you have to reinstall a driver. Read more about how to update or repair a device driver.
A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without drivers, the hardware you connect to your computer—for example, a video card or a webcam—will not work properly. Read more about drivers.
If you encounter problems with your computer or device after upgrading the driver, you might want to restore the driver for a device to a previous version.
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Windows 8 provides a set of compatibility modes that lets you run some apps written for earlier versions of Windows. Many apps written for Windows 7 will also work for Windows 8, but some older apps might run poorly or not at all. If an older app doesn't run correctly, you can use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter to apply compatibility modes of earlier versions of Windows, which may address the issue. To run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter:
From the Start screen, type 'Control Panel', click on the Control Panel tile, click on Programs, and then click Run programs made for previous versions of Windows.
Follow the instructions in the troubleshooter.
To find out which version of an app is installed on your computer:
If you’re running Windows 8:
- From the Start screen, type 'Control Panel', click on the Control Panel tile, click Programs, and then click the name of the app.
- In the Details Pane at the bottom of the window, view the product version.
If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows Vista:
Click Start
, click Control Panel, click Programs, click Programs and Features, and then click the name of the app.In the Details Pane at the bottom of the window, view the product version.
If you're running Windows XP:
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.
Click the name of the app and then on the Click here for support information link.
Note: If the Details Pane is hidden, click Organise , click Layout , and then select Details Pane.
App publishers, including Microsoft, frequently release upgrades for their apps. To check the Compatibility Center for an available upgrade:
Use the site search box or browse for a product.
On the product listing, click anywhere to go to the product details page.
Under the compatibility status, if you see a link for a newer version or an upgrade, click it to check the product website directly.
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If you don't see a link, click the Home page link under the product name on the left side of the page to visit the manufacturer's or publisher's website and learn more.
Note: Different apps may use different methods to install upgrades. Be sure to carefully read the instructions on the publisher's website before installing any upgrades.
How you add a new app depends on the location of the program's installation files. Typically, apps are installed from a CD or DVD, from the Internet, or from a network. View specific steps for installing an app from each of those locations. With Windows 8 and Windows RT, you can also install apps directly from the Windows Store.
To uninstall an app that you no longer use or want:
If you’re running Windows 8:
- From the Start screen, type 'Control Panel', click on the Control Panel tile, click Programs, and then click Programs and Features.
- Click the name of the app and then click Uninstall.
If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows Vista:
Click Start
, click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Programs and Features.Click the name of the app and then click Uninstall.
If you're running Windows XP:
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.
Click the name of the app and then click Remove.
