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Check your hardware for Windows 8 compatibility
Ready or not, Windows 8 is coming fast. Microsoft has set up a Web site to check compatibility with your current hardware and software.
The Compatibility Center for Windows 8 is a simple-to-use Web site to check whether your favorite hardware or software will work with the next version of Windows. Here's how to use it:
- Point your browser here.
- You can either search for a particular product in the top bar or browse product categories using the sidebar.
- When results arrive, it's easy to see whether a particular device or package is compatible. You may want to toggle the 32-bit/64-bit version control near the top right, depending on your system.
- If you aren't sure about the name or model number of a particular piece of hardware, just start up your Control Panel, select "Hardware & Sound," then select "Device Manager." This should bring up an exhaustive list of hardware attached to your computer.
Step 3: Check compatibility with Windows 8.
(Credit: Rob Lightner/CNET)That's it! You can also download the Consumer Preview of Windows 8 from the same site if you're so inclined.
