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Applies to all editions of Windows Vista.

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How can I tell if a game will run on this computer?

There are two things to check to tell if a game will run on your computer:

  • You can compare the Windows Experience Index base score for the game and for your computer. The game's base score is usually included on the packaging and in published information about the game. Make sure the base score for your computer is equal to or greater than the one listed for the game.

  • You can compare your computer's specifications to the game's minimum requirements. You'll need to know your processor speed, how much random access memory (RAM) you have, how much graphics memory you have, and how much free space is on your hard disk.

To find out your computer's specifications and Windows Experience Index base score

  1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.

  2. If you don't see subscores and a base score, click Update my score. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  3. Compare the number under Base score with the base score of the game you want to play. If your computer's base score is the same as or higher than the game's, the game will run on your computer.

  4. To view your computer's specifications, click View and print details, and then check the specifications listed in the Details column.

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