Microsoft says this is the ideal hardware setup for gaming on Windows 11

• Microsoft has revealed the ideal hardware requirements for a gaming PC running Windows 11.
• The recommendations are aimed at entry-level, mid-range, and high-end rigs.
• Specifications range from modern four- to eight-core processors to the latest graphics cards, with recommendations for RAM, storage, monitor, and more.

Microsoft has outlined what it considers the ideal hardware foundation for delivering the best gaming experience on Windows 11. While the operating system and drivers provide the baseline support that allows games to run and access modern technologies, they are only part of the equation. Real-world gaming performance is ultimately defined by the hardware powering the system, and no amount of software optimization can compensate for components that are underpowered or poorly matched.

The hardware you choose is the backbone of any gaming PC. It determines how quickly games load, how stable and consistent frame rates remain, and how well demanding titles perform at higher resolutions and advanced visual settings. Key components such as the processor, graphics card, memory, and storage must work together in balance to deliver smooth gameplay, reduce stuttering, and ensure fast, responsive asset streaming.

Choosing the right hardware is not just about improving performance today. A carefully selected configuration provides headroom for future games, new graphics features, and higher performance demands, extending the usable life of your system. Windows 11 may provide the platform, but it is the quality and balance of your hardware that ultimately defines the gaming experience.

In this guide, I’ll share the Microsoft recommendations for the ideal gaming PC. However, these are not new hardware requirements. They’re only suggestions.

Windows 11 hardware recommendations for a gaming PC

These are the Microsoft recommendations for entry-level, mid-range, and high-end gaming PCs.

Processor and graphics

For entry-level gaming (1080p) using medium settings, you should have at least a modern quad-core processor and entry-level graphics:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or Intel Core i5-12400
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 6600

For mid-range gaming (1440p) using high settings, you should have at least a modern six-core processor and mid-range graphics card:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 or Intel Core i5-13600K
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti (or 4060 Ti) or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT

For high-end gaming (4K) using all the top settings, you should have at least a modern eight-core processor and the latest graphics card available:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Intel Core i7-13700K
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX

Also, when choosing the graphics card and monitor, it’s recommended to pair both components. If the monitor you choose outputs up to 144Hz, you won’t experience the benefits of a GPU that can output up to 240FPS.

In this case, either choose a higher-end display or choose a lower-end graphics card and allocate the budget to a better cooling solution, faster storage, or better memory (as prices for these components keep increasing daily).

Storage and memory

The storage you choose will not only dictate how many games you can store in your library, but also how quickly your computer boots and how quickly levels load. Currently, at least 1TB of storage is the minimum recommendation. However, a higher-capacity storage is recommended if you plan to download multiple games.

Also, remember that it’s always recommended never to keep the drive above 70 percent of its capacity. Otherwise, you’ll start to notice performance issues during gameplay and while operating your computer for productivity tasks.

As part of the memory recommendations, the software giant notes that 16GB is more than enough for most games. However, 32GB is the ideal size for “pro” gamers playing the most demanding titles and heavy mods.

Any higher of these memory suggestions is only recommended for professionals running other demanding applications (such as those for video and image editing) or for managing virtual machines.

Motherboard

Microsoft doesn’t recommend any specific motherboard for a gaming PC. You only have to make sure that it is compatible with the processor, graphics, and memory you plan to use.

However, for a gaming motherboard, you want to consider a model that has excellent power delivery, enough expansion slots, and adequate ports for peripherals and networking.

Other component recommendations

As for peripherals that can help improve your gaming experience on Windows 11, include:

Monitor

For a good experience, you consider getting a monitor that offers at least 144Hz. However, for competitive shooters or fast-action games, it’s recommended to have a 165Hz to 240Hz display.

The response time (the time a pixel takes to change color) is also an important factor. Usually, you want a monitor that offers 1 to 3 milliseconds (ms) response, which is ideal for gaming.

Then there’s the panel-type question. The IPS panel offers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it a great all-around choice.

You’ll also find VA panels that provide deeper contrast and richer blacks, though they have slightly slower response times than IPS panels.

Finally, OLED panels offer the best contrast and near-instant response times, with true blacks and vibrant colors, but they can cost more.

Furthermore, regardless of the panel technology you choose, you should also consider the HDR support.

Keyboards and mice

If you’re planning to game with a keyboard and mouse, you have to find the right peripherals, and precision matters.

When selecting a keyboard for gaming, it’s best to get a mechanical keyboard as it offers crisp, tactile feedback and faster actuation than membrane keys, giving you more control in competitive play.

Finally, if you have to choose a gaming mouse, look for one with adjustable DPI (dots per inch), which lets you control the cursor sensitivity for different genres. Higher DPI is great for quick camera movements. Lower DPI gives steadier aim in shooters.

Gaming controllers

If you plan to play on Windows 11, the Xbox Wireless Controller is the best option. It offers seamless connectivity via Bluetooth or USB and provides precise analog sticks, responsive triggers, and full button remapping via the Xbox Accessories app.

Do you have any other hardware or software recommendations for someone starting to game on Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.