The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim System Requirements (Can’t Play it on your Computer?)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been developed from the ground up with a new graphics programming core named the “Creation Engine”. Along with a new graphics engine comes the need for a higher powered
computer to run it. If you still have the same computer that you were using to play Oblivion in 2006 then you definitely need to upgrade. The new minimum graphics card requirement is a bit basic for 2011 standards and no need to worry about. But if you want to play Skyrim in its full graphical glory you really need a high end graphics card like the nVidia GeForce GTX 260. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim requires a 2 GHz+ dual-core processor to run, although the recommended processor is the quad-core variety.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will not run properly on Tablets or Netbooks, new or old. Skyrim will run smoothly on laptops and desktops with basic “on-board” / “integrated” graphic cards, but you need to have a decent fast processor and preferably 3+ GB of RAM. To achieve smoothness, you must set the graphics to the lowest detail. I am not the type of gamer that enjoys playing PC games in low detail, so I personally do not recommend playing on a PC with an integrated / on-board graphics card unless you are okay with Skyrim graphics set to the lowest settings.
If you have any problem installing or playing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim smoothly on your computer or if you are not sure if your PC is compatible with The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim feel free to ask for help in the comments section below.
It would help a lot if you give us the following info about your computer when you ask for help…
- Do you have Windows XP, Vista or 7? (also is it 32 or 64-bit?)
- Processor on your computer?
- Amount of RAM on your computer?
- Graphic card on your computer?
- Do you have a Desktop or Laptop?
If you are unsure of any particular computer specification your PC may have that is not a problem. Go to this website to test your computer compatibility with the game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Besides giving you a good estimation on the compatibility of your PC it will tell you your PCs Graphics Card, Processor and Memory (RAM) specs.
For more detailed specifications on your computer's hardware check out my tutorial on how to use a free program to find your PCs specs.
PC MINIMUM System Requirements
• Operating System: Windows XP, Vista or 7
(It will work on 32 or 64-bit Windows 7 and Vista)
• Processor: Dual Core 2.0 GHz OR Better
• RAM: 2 GB
• Video/Graphics Card: DirectX 9 compatible with 512 MB of RAM
• Sound Card: DirectX compatible
• Hard Drive: 6 GB Free Space
• Internet access for Steam activation
PC RECOMMENDED System Requirements
• Operating System: Windows XP, Vista or 7
(It will work on 32 or 64-bit Windows 7 and Vista)
• Processor: Quad-core OR Better
• RAM: 4 GB
• Video/Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce GTX 260 / ATI Radeon 4890 OR Better
• Sound Card: DirectX compatible
• Hard Drive: 6 GB Free Space
• Internet access for Steam activation
If you are having problems installing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or if you are unsure that your PC can run the game… FEEL FREE TO ASK YOUR QUESTION BELOW! :-)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Official Trailer
The World of Skyrim
| If we helped you or if you found this article useful :-) |
Thanks for the answer! I
Thanks for the answer!
I will try Skyrim this weekend and will try to use Game Booster and play in window mode.
I cannot download the drivers tough. It says that my graphic adapter is incompatible with it.
Your help is greatly appreciated!
re: Would Skyrim work on this laptop? [PEL]
Hi PEL. Thanks for posting all of your specs. Skyrim will install and run. But even at the lowest settings it may be super laggy. What you might have to do is play in “Windowed Mode” which will take it out of full screen, then it will run smooth.
I also recommend going to the ATI / AMD website and downloading the latest driver. Since you posted all of your specs I was able to look it up for you.
http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/windows/Pages/radeonmob_win7-64.as...
Always have the ATI HD 4550 card turned on to run Skyrim.
To smooth out the lag even further download the free app "Game Booster". It works good to smooth out some lag.
Would Skyrim work on this laptop?
Hello!
I'm just wondering if Skyrim would work on this laptop.
I don't care about the quality of the graphics, just want to know if I could boot it and play without crashing.
My laptop :
HP tm2
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600 1.6ghz
- ATI HD4550 w/ 512mb (switchable w/ Intel 4500MHD)
- 4gb DDR3
- Windows 7 64bit
I know that the processor is really below but could it run anyway?
Thanks!
re: Ryan1664
Hey Ryan :-)
If it is a desktop ignore the graphics driver link I gave you. Lookup your desktop GTX 560 driver at the main nVidia driver page: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us
Before you install Skyrim I highly recommend updating Windows 1st, then installing the latest nVidia drier.
Thanks for the response! Oh
Thanks for the response! Oh I forgot to mention that it's a desktop computer, but it doesn't matter. I'm glad to hear that the game will run well on my system. I'm going to order the game today and I'll definitely use your tips if I run into any trouble. Thanks again.
re: Intel Core i5, GeForce GTX 560 running Skyrim [Ryan1664]
Hi Ryan. Thank you for posting all of your laptop specs. Makes things easy for me :-)
You have an excellent gaming laptop. The Core i5 3.3 GHz CPU and GTX 560 graphics card will allow you to run Skyrim at high settings. If Skyrim does not run well on your laptop then there could be 6 reasons that I currently know of causing the problems…
Reason #1 – Windows 7 is not fully updated.
- Update Win 7 just like I show you in this tutorial: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
Reason #2 – You do not have the latest nVidia laptop drivers for your GTX 560.
- Here are the latest drivers for your setup: http://www.nvidia.com/object/notebook-win7-winvista-64bit-285.62-whql-dr...
Reason #3 – You are playing the game without the A/C adapter plugged in. This slows down your CPU and Graphics card
- Just plug in the laptop A/C power adapter before you launch your game and keep it plugged in during gameply
Reason #4 – You are playing with the laptop on your lap, or there is another reason the laptop is heating up. This will cause your laptop to slow down, which is very bad for gaming
- Play with the laptop on a flat surface like a table or desk. Make sure nothing is covering up any of the laptop vents
Reason #5 – An app on background process on your computer is conflicting with your game. It is making it slow or even crashing the game
- Something similar happened to me last month. I solved this by installing / running the free app “Game Booster”. This closed every non-important app and process while I played my game. Here is where you get Game Booster: http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
Reason #6 – Originally when The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim came out there were tons of problems running it, even on extremely fast gaming PCs. The makers of Skyrim has since released a few patches to address the issues
- When you install Skyrim it might install the original, buggy version. Steam will automatically update it to the latest patch. Just make sure you have Steam running after it is installed. Sometimes an update can take a few hours to download and install. Be patient. I would even leave my computer on with Steam running when you go to sleep the 1st day you install it to guarantee Steam downloaded/installed every update
Hi Joey, I recently got
Hi Joey,
I recently got a new computer for Christmas, I'm thinking about purchasing Skyrim. I know my specs meet the requirements, but I'm wondering how well it will handle the game. The only other game I've played on it so far is Empire: total war which runs great.
Intel i5 3.3 ghz
Memory: 12 gb ddr3 (1300 MHz)
GeForce gtx 560 1gb
1 tb hard drive.
Windows 7 (64 bit)
Thanks!
re: Joe444
Processor: Intel Core i3-370M
RAM: 4 GB
Graphics: Intel HD
Hi joe444. Np with all the questions, lol. The new PC specs are definitely compatible. But even though the Intel HD is compatible it is still considered low-end for the new Skyrim standards. Skyrim just has to be set to minimal graphic settings. Follow my guide below to optimize your PC to play Skyrim and other games as smoothly as possible.
#1 – Fully update Windows 7, then restart your PC and checked if there are any new updates. (Some games require certain Windows Updates to run properly. So be sure to download all updates you see.)
If you need it I created a tutorial on this subject: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
#2 – Download the latest Intel HD driver (ZIP file version) for you laptop. I looked up the driver for your laptop. I found 2 different versions. 1 is for 32-bit Win7 and the other is for 64-bit Win7. I am not sure which one you have? Both versions are linked below. Only download the correct version.
64-bit Window 7 - http://j.mp/A1kHlq
32-bit Windows 7 - http://j.mp/w9D0y6
#3 – Unzip the file you just downloaded and leave it alone. You will get back to this folder in a bit.
#4 – You need to manually Uninstall your current Intel graphics card drivers. This is how to do it…
- Go to your Windows “Computer” icon (or you could just hit the Start button and go to the “Computer” category / link).
- RIGHT-click “Computer” then select “Manage” from the popup
- Follow the instructions in the image below to uninstall the graphics drivers via the Device Manager.
http://i.minus.com/ibaosjJB4PSHwT.png
- If for some reason the computer asks you to restart, Do Not do it!
#5 – Now go back to the Intel driver folder you just unzipped. In there will be a text file named something like “READ ME”. Open that file with Notepad or WordPad. Follow the instructions on how to install the driver (Hint: It is almost the same as uninstalling a driver)
#6 – After you installed the new graphics drivers you must restart your computer so everything will work.
#7 – Download and Install the free version of “Game Booster”: http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
In case you need it I just finished creating a video tutorial on how to install and optimize Game Booster. The video is at the end of the article: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Get-Less-Lag-Higher-Frame-Rates-runn...
#8 – Make sure the laptop is plugged into the A/C power adapter. If it is unplugged the CPU will slow down. This is bad for gaming and will decrease frame rates (it sometimes makes a compatible laptop fall into the non-compatible category).
#9 – Place the laptop on a flat surface like a table or desk before and during gameplay; preferably in a cool area. The last thing you want to do is play with the laptop on your lap. Laptop overheating may also slow down your CPU, then your game might have horrible lag.
#10 – Run Game Booster, then Run Skyrim (but DO NOT play it yet).
#11 - Go into the graphics settings and set everything to the lowest possible.
Save / Apply settings.
#12 – Play Skyrim
lol sry for my questions
Name Generic PnP Monitor on Intel HD Graphics
Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels
Work Resolution 1366x728 pixels
State enabled, primary
Monitor Width 1366
Monitor Height 768
Monitor BPP 32 bits per pixel
Monitor Frequency 60 Hz
Device \\.\DISPLAY1\Monitor0
Intel(R) HD Graphics
Memory 1723 MB
Memory type 2
Driver version 8.15.10.2086
OpenGL
Version 2.1.0 - Build 8.15.10.2086
Vendor Intel
Renderer Intel(R) HD Graphics
GLU Version 1.2.2.0 Microsoft Corporation
And when i start it it enters ,but like i said can't see anything but lines and straps but the game is playing,
i have 4gb ram and i3 cpu m370 @2,70 ghz !
okay
okay it is bad news but it's okay...now about my laptop what should i do?
re: Intel 945GM (part of the Intel GMA 950 family) [for Joe444]
Graphics: Intel 945GM (part of the Intel GMA 950 family)
Hi Joe444, thanks for posting your full graphics specs. I looked up the graphics card. Unfortunately I have some bad news. The graphics card you have does not support Transform and Lighting (“T&L”) when rendering games. So the error message was dead on, it is an unsupported graphics card that can’t run Skyrim. A driver update can't solve this issue.
Here is a link to one of the web pages you can find into on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_GMA
It is listed under the “GMA 950” family.
oh and my specs are..
Monitor
Name Generic PnP Monitor on Mobile Intel 945 Express Chipset Family
Current Resolution 1680x1050 pixels
Work Resolution 1680x1010 pixels
State enabled, primary
Monitor Width 1680
Monitor Height 1050
Monitor BPP 32 bits per pixel
Monitor Frequency 60 Hz
Device \\.\DISPLAY1\Monitor0
Mobile Intel(R) 945 Express Chipset Family
Memory 256 MB
Memory type 2
Driver version 8.15.10.1930
OpenGL
Version 1.4.0 - Build 8.14.10.1930
Vendor Intel
Renderer Intel 945GM
GLU Version 1.2.2.0 Microsoft Corporation
okay but..
the error msg that i'm getting is the following : Failed to initialize renderer, hardware T&L required but not supported by adapter!
and i didn't get if you mentioned how to fix my laptop probem?(can't see but the sreen like it's pieces,well can't see anything but game running..)
re: Will my laptop run skyrim? [JesusWeasel]
Hi JesusWeasel. All of your specs pass the Skyrim minimum system requirements. Both of the sound cards you listed pass the requirements. You are good.
Be sure to fully update Windows 7 before you play Skyrim.
If you need it I created a tutorial on this subject: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
Also after installing Skyrim and before you play it may ask if you want to update, definitely update.
re: skyrim won't work..! [Joe444]
Hi Joe444. The CPU and RAM are fine as long as you keep Skyrim running around low graphics settings. I need to know your graphics card specs. Use the free version of the app “Speccy” to find that out: http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download
It would also help a lot if I knew the exact error message. The only guess I can make without knowing all of the info is that your graphics card is not compatible with Skyrim.
Will my laptop run skyrim?
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit
• Processor: Intel(R) Core i5 CPU M 460 @ 2.53GHz
• RAM: 4GB (3.79GB Useable)
• Video/Graphics Card: Intel(R) HD Graphics
• Sound Card: Intel(R) Display Audio or Realtek High Definition Audio
Both of those are under the audio listing in my Device manager so if i don't have the correct information on here just let me know. Thanks in advance for your help
skyrim won't work..!
i have a desktop with a cpu:intel core duo 2400(1.83ghz)
ram: 2gb ddr2(533MHZ)
i installed skyrim on it,but when i start they tell something like T&L recommended something like that,how can i make skyrim work?
And on my laptop i almost have the recomended settings,anw i installed it on it and it's starting but when i start playing i can't see anything, i can hear the game and if i move i see that there is movement but all i can see is the screen with weird stuff..what should i do?
re: Can i play Skyrim [Guest]
Processor: Intel Centrino 2 3.0 GHz
RAM: 3 GB
Graphics: nVidia GeForce 9200
Hello. This PC is will run Skyrim. But due to the low-end performance (for Skyrim standards) of the GeForce 9200 graphics card you can play Skyrim at the lowest possible graphics settings.
Can i play skyrim Processor:
Can i play skyrim
Processor: intel centrino 2 3.0ghz
Ram:3Gb
graphics card: nvidia 9200
re: Can i? [Guest]
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 630 3.0 GHz
RAM: 2.25 GB
Graphics: 32MB Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series
Hi. I am sorry to tell you that the PC specs you posted are not compatible with Skyrim. The processor is underpowered and the graphics card is not supported by Skyrim.
re: skyrim launch cannot past bethesda intro [RoGamer]
- Gateway SX2803-US20P desktop -
Processor: Intel Pentium E6700 3.2 GHz
RAM: 4 GB
Graphics Card: Intel GMA X4500 HD
OS: Windows 7 64-bit
Hi RoGamer. Thanks for posting all of your specs. You have a very fast PC for gaming. No problems with lack of hardware power. It is a software issue. Please do all of the following to resolve your issue. Do not skip any steps.
#1 – Fully update Windows 7, then restart your PC and checked if there are any new updates. (AMD and Intel released a recent update to fix issue with the new AMD FX processors. So update everything, even the optional updates)
If you need it I created a tutorial on this subject: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
#2 – Download the latest ATI Radeon HD 6990 graphics driver for your desktop. Get them at the AMD/ATI website. These drivers give the best Skyrim performance: http://sites.amd.com/us/game/downloads/Pages/radeon_win7-64.aspx
Download/Install the 109 MB file, ignore the other files.
#3 – After you installed the new graphics drivers you must restart your computer so everything will work.
#4 – Download and Install the Free version of “Game Booster”: http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
I usually recommend this to boost performance. But I have also used Game Booster to help fix any errors or problems with conflicting apps or Windows processes that are running in the background.
In case you need it I just finished creating a video tutorial on how to install and optimize Game Booster. The video is at the end of the article: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Get-Less-Lag-Higher-Frame-Rates-runn...
#5 – Run Game Booster
#6 – Run Skyrim. If it asks if you want to update, answer Yes. Update Skyrim to the latest update.
Can i?
hi can i run skyrim?
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 630 3.0 GHz
RAM: 2.25 GB
Graphics: 32MB Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series
skyrim launch cannot past bethesda intro
hi, i need help resolve problem regard the skyrim launcher, i cannot get pass the bethesda intro. then the launcher exit to desktop. here my pc spec. sorry for my bad english.
AMD FX 8150 3.6GHz (8core),
ASUS Crosshair V Formula/ThunderBolt AMD990FX motherboard,
16GB Kit (4x4GB) kingston HyperX T1 DDR3 1600MHz CL9 Unbuffered
ASUS EAH6990 (ati radeon hd 6990) x3 gpu with ati crossfireX setup,
re: Skyrim disc not recognized by computer [Daisy]
Hi Daisy. So you have not even installed it yet b/c when you put the game in the computer disc drive it just spins and nothing happens right?
Try this…
1 – Put the Skyrim disc in your computer drive
2 – On your Windows XP desktop there should be a “My Computer” icon. Click it to open it up
2 – Somewhere in that new Windows popup you will see your drive listed
3 – RIGHT-click on the disc drive and select “Open”. Wait a minute to see if anything happens.
If nothing happens, RIGHT-click on the disc drive again and select “Explore”
4 – If just a folder pops up, search the folder. Look for any file named, “Setup” or “Install”
One of the above methods will work IF the Skyrim disc is compatible with your computer’s disc drive.
Does it still give you trouble after following the steps above?
I have Windows XP Desktop
I have Windows XP Desktop computer, and all the requirements, but when I put the game in, noting happens except a strange noise. My cd-rom drive is running all my other games, except skyrim. Please help, It can't even detect the disk and my mum is going to bin the game!
re: unresolved [Nemo]
Hi Nemo. So you performed steps 1-10 in order without any problems on any steps. But when you opened up Skyrim it does the same thing it did before, right?
I read on the official Bethsoft / Skyrim forums that there have been many problems similar to yours. One guy posted, “Game freeze the sounds start to loop, monitor button goes yellow and then you have to restart your pc.”
Here are a few more things you can do to make Skyrim work…
#1: Download and Install the free version of “CCleaner”
Run CCleaner’s “Cleaner” and “Registry” functions.
In case you need it I created a tutorial on CCleaner: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/Learn-How-To-CCleaner-Clean-Optimize-Free-U...
#2: Restart your PC
#3: - Open up Steam (Do not run Skyrim)
- Go to your Windows taskbar, where the Steam icon is on the bottom-right side
- RIGHT-click the Steam icon and select “Library”. You should see a new Steam Window that has all of your games
- RIGHT-click Skyrim and select “Properties”. You will get a new popup Window
- Go to the “Updates” tab. Make sure “Always keep this game up to date” is selected.
- Steam should automatically start updating Skyrim now. I believe Skyrim is on v1.3 or v1.4 update by now.
NOTE: Wait until Skyrim fully updates. There should be some kind of notice. I am not sure how long it will take. Then launch Skyrim. If you get the same problem still with the latest patch/update then check out the link below for another fix.
http://enbseries.enbdev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7
unresolved
Hey Joey
I did everything as instructed and it still has the same problem, i was checking out game booster and i ran an analysis through it , should i post it and maybe you could help me or is all hope lost?:(
re: Very rude game :/ [Nemo]
Hello Nemo. Thanks for posting your specs. The Skyrim developers release important patches on occasion (this happens for most modern games). The graphics driver is different.
The following may solve your problem…
#1 – Fully update Windows , then restart your PC and checked if there are any new updates. (Some games require certain Windows Updates to run properly. So be sure to download all updates you see.)
You did not say what version of Windows you are running. I assume it is Windows 7. If you need it I created a tutorial on this subject: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
#2 – Download the latest Intel HD 3000 driver (ZIP file version) for your computer here: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/
#3 – Unzip the file you just downloaded and leave it alone. You will get back to this folder in a bit.
#4 – You need to manually Uninstall your current Intel graphics card drivers. This is how to do it…
- Go to your Windows “Computer” icon (or you could just hit the Start button and go to the “Computer” category / link).
- RIGHT-click “Computer” then select “Manage” from the popup
- Follow the instructions in the image below to uninstall the graphics drivers via the Device Manager.
http://i.minus.com/ibaosjJB4PSHwT.png
- If for some reason the computer asks you to restart, Do Not do it!
#5 – Now go back to the Intel driver folder you just unzipped. In there will be a file named something like “READ ME”. Open that file with Notepad or WordPad. Follow the instructions on how to install the driver (Hint: It is almost the same as uninstalling a driver)
#6 – After you installed the new Intel graphics drivers you must restart your PC for everything will work.
#7 – Download and Install the Free version of “Game Booster”: ttp://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
(This helped me with a recent game crashing issue I had where my game was conflicting with something on my system. This temporarily shuts down all unimportant processes that may interfere with the game)
In case you need it I just finished creating a video tutorial on how to install and optimize Game Booster. The video is at the end of the article: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Get-Less-Lag-Higher-Frame-Rates-runn...
#8 Make sure the laptop is plugged into the A/C power adapter. If it is unplugged will slow down. This is bad for gaming and will decrease frame rates (it sometimes makes a compatible laptop fall into the non-compatible category and will crash the game or Windows).
#9 Place the laptop on a flat surface like a table or desk before and during gameplay; preferably in a cool area. The last thing you want to do is play with the laptop on your lap. Laptop overheating may also slow down your CPU, or crash your computer.
#10 – Run Game Booster
#11 – Run Skyrim
Very rude game:/
hey joey
i just updated my driver to the latest available but i still have a problem .Skyrim runs .... but not for long before closing itself , it loads upto the point where the skyrim insignia shows and just as it displays the main menu the screen flashes white and it closes completely,BAM!,gone, i really dont know what to do :/ i read something about a patch for my graphics . is it the same thing as the driver? please let me know asap
-Inspiron 15(N5010)
-Intel Core i5
-Intel HD Graphics 3000
-4GB RAM
-500GB Hard Drive.
thanx
re: re: elder scrolls 5: skyrim requirements [striker]
Hi Striker. The Intel Core i3-2100 processor is fast for Skyrim standards. No problem there.
The slowest part on your desktop is the GeForce 210. It can play Skyrim but only at the lowest possible settings. If you set it any higher there will be problems like freezing. Follow my guide to smooth things out a bit….
#1 – Fully update Windows, then restart your PC and checked if there are any new updates. (Some games require certain Windows Updates to run properly. So be sure to download all updates you see.)
NOTE: Update everything EXCEPT any graphics drivers. The graphics drivers from Windows Update are not as good as the ones you have
You did not say what version of Windows you are running. I assume it is Windows 7. If you need it I created a tutorial on this subject: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
#2 – Download and Install the Free version of “Game Booster”: http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
In case you need it I just finished creating a video tutorial on how to install and optimize Game Booster. The video is at the end of the article: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Get-Less-Lag-Higher-Frame-Rates-runn...
#3 – Run Game Booster, then Run Skyrim (but DO NOT play it yet).
#4 - Go into the graphics settings and set everything to the lowest possible.
Save / Apply settings.
#5 – Play Skyrim
Btw, you have an awesome processor to run Skyrim. The only thing holding your computer down from running medium or high settings is the graphics card. I recommend buying the GeForce GT 440 graphics card. You can get it from NewEgg or Amazon for as low as $70. “ECS” is the name brand that sells it for that low at the moment.