Computer requirements for JD, LLM, and SJD students

For students entering in Fall 2025

These requirements apply to all students enrolling in on-campus degree programs at the School of Law. This includes JD, LLM, and SJD degrees. There are separate computer requirements for the online MSL degree and certificate programs.

Minimum Requirements

Students are expected to have a laptop computer running a supported version of macOS or Windows that meets the following minimum requirements:

macOS:

• Operating System: 

  • macOS Sequoia 15.0+ (Recommended)
    See How to update macOS - Apple Support for information about upgrading or updating macOS

  • The previous two versions of macOS (Sonoma, Ventura) are also supported, but this changes annually. When a new version of macOS is released, this requirement becomes the new version of macOS and the two previous versions.
    NOTE: As of September 2024, macOS 12 Monterey is no longer supported

• Processor: 

  • Apple M-series (Strongly recommended)

  • Intel (Supported only if the Mac is compatible with macOS Sequoia 15.0 or newer). Check compatibility here.

• Memory:

  • 16 GB (Recommended)

  • 8 GB (Minimum)

• Storage:

  • 512 GB (Recommended) 

  • 256 GB (Minimum) 

• Other Requirements:

  • Functional webcam, microphone, and WiFi
    
    

Windows:

• Operating System:

  • Windows 11 (Required)

See Install Windows Updates - Microsoft Support for information about updating Windows

Version 23H2 or newer is required.
            - Windows 11 Versions 22H2 and older are not supported
            - "S mode" is not supported 

• Processor: 

  • Intel (Core i5 or better)

  • AMD (Ryzen 5 or better)

    - ARM-based processors are not supported

• Memory: 

  • 16 GB (Recommended)

  • 8 GB (Minimum)

• Storage:

  • 512 GB (Recommended) 

  • 256 GB (Minimum) 

• Other Requirements:

  • Functional webcam, microphone, and WiFi

  • English (United States) Language Pack must be installed
    
    

Notes

• Chromebooks are not supported

• iPads and other tablets are not supported

• You must have administrator privileges on your computer

• You must have a licensed version of the operating system

• Virtualization software may not be used to run the operating system
  
  

While it may be possible to complete much of your coursework with a tablet or other mobile device, a laptop computer that meets these minimum requirements is required for exams.

Supported Web Browsers:

The two most recent versions of the following web browsers are supported:

• Edge (Windows only)

• Safari (Mac only)

• Chrome

• Firefox

We highly recommend updating your web browser to the current version. Other web browsers and older versions of the web browsers listed above may work, but are not officially supported.

Computer Discounts

While students may use any computer that meets the minimum requirements, students who plan to purchase a new computer are eligible for discounted pricing from Apple and Lenovo. 

Learn more at wfu.law/computer-discounts

Software

The following software is available to law students while enrolled at Wake Forest University. 

Microsoft 365

This includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

Download from https://is.wfu.edu/software/office-365/ 

Adobe Creative Cloud

This includes Adobe Acrobat Pro DC for creating and editing PDF documents.

Download from https://is.wfu.edu/software/adobe-creative-cloud/ 

Zoom

This is the preferred video conferencing platform at Wake Forest University.

Download from https://is.wfu.edu/software/zoom/ 

Ditto

This enables wireless screen sharing from Windows computers and Android devices in law school classrooms, courtrooms, and conference rooms. Macs and other Apple devices should use the native AirPlay functionality. 

Download from https://is.wfu.edu/software/ditto/ 

Google Drive

Use Google Drive for desktop to automatically back up your computer to the cloud or access your drive files from your local computer’s file system.

Download from https://is.wfu.edu/software/google-drive-for-desktop/ 

Antivirus

Make sure you have antivirus software to keep your device safe and protect it from threats. Mac users can download our recommended antivirus software, Avast, here: https://is.wfu.edu/software/avast-antivirus/ 

Users with Windows 11 have Windows Security enabled by default, which provides the latest antivirus protection. More information can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/stay-protected-with-windows-security-2ae0363d-0ada-c064-8b56-6a39afb6a963