Microsoft has for the first time raised the minimum storage requirement for Windows 10, in version 1903, to 32 GB for both 32-bit and 64-bit PCs.
This information, which was first spotted by Pureinfotech, can be found on the Windows 10 minimum hardware requirements website.
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Previously, 32-bit versions of Windows 10 required at least 16 GB of storage while 64-bit versions required 20 GB. Both of those tiny allotments are, of course, ludicrous and always were. As I noted in the Windows 10 Field Guide, you will want more storage than that. A lot more. And the type of storage you get matters as well.
“I recommend at least 128 GB of fast SSD storage, and not the slower eMMC-style storage that is still found on some low-end PCs,” I note in the book.” Depending on your needs, you may find that 256 GB or more of storage is preferable.”
Obviously, the 16, 20, and 32 GB storage allotments are not aimed at real PCs. Instead, Microsoft is still maintaining the fiction that Windows 10 might be used on a smaller, simpler mobile device. But given the way storage is trending, I’m surprised it took so long to get to 32 GB. And I see a 64 GB minimum happening in the near future.
skane2600
<p>The problems that may arise will be the result of Microsoft deciding to release multiple versions of Windows without bumping the official version number each time and forced updates. Not being able to run Windows XP on a Windows 95 PC was legitimate, but not being able to run Windows 10 on a Windows 10 PC is not.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><em><a href="#423329">In reply to lwetzel:</a></em></blockquote><p>If you agree with what somebody says, there's often nothing to add – it's been said already. If you disagree, then presumably there is something new to consider.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><em><a href="#423585">In reply to train_wreck:</a></em></blockquote><p>There's a difference between saying "I don't run Windows" and "I don't run Windows on every computer I own", right? Can't blame Svenj for making a comment based on what you actually said rather than reading your mind.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><em><a href="#423643">In reply to red.radar:</a></em></blockquote><p>The answer depends on, among other things, what a "full Linux desktop system" includes. You really need to compare Windows to a specific Linux distro since both size and capabilities of distros vary immensely. </p>