Computer Requirements
On this page are basic requirements and recommendations for computer hardware and software. Also see Network and Computer Setup. For additional details, also see HardwareRequirements.pdf.
Server: The server is the computer that runs the MySQL or MariaDB server program and stores the files and the database. In a small office, it may be the same computer as the office server, but it does not have to be. We recommend having a dedicated server to protect data.
Due to Windows limitations, we recommend keeping the server name less than 15 characters in length.
Workstation: Computer speed, memory, video capability, and hard drive capacity may affect program performance.
Open Dental (and MySQL or Maria DB) can run on a Windows Virtual Machine/Server. However, if other services also run on the same physical server, these services may use up resources that result in slower database service, and thus slower Open Dental. Consider using dedicated drives and processor core pinning for the virtual machines.
Internet: For the best access to service and updates, you should be connected to a high speed internet connection. Consider this a requirement.
Display: See Screen Size.
Minimum resolution for Open Dental is 1280x768 (at that resolution hiding or moving the taskbar may be needed to use some windows). We recommend 27" 1080p LCD monitors. We recommend monitors with speakers built in.
CPU: See HardwareRequirements.pdf.
Memory: 4 - 8 GB is recommended.
Open Dental uses approximately 60 MB of memory. The minimum requirement for Windows 11 is 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB storage. Optimum performance is 8 GB. Running other programs on your computer can affect system performance if there is not sufficient memory for all programs. The server or computer where MySQL/MariaDB is installed may need more memory, especially if using InnoDB.
Backups: See Backups for information.
Uninterruptible Power Supply: An uninterruptible power supply (i.e., a backup battery) is optional but recommended. This can prevent loss of data on the server or workstation running MySQL/MariaDB.
Operating Systems:
All of your machines do not have to have the same operating system. If you are purchasing new equipment, we recommend the newest version of the Windows operating system.
Any of the following operating systems are supported:
| Operating system | Notes |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 | Windows 11 S is not supported as Open Dental cannot be installed through the Windows Store. |
| Windows Server 2025 | |
| Windows Server 2022 | |
| Windows Server 2019 | |
| Windows Server 2016 |
As an alternative to Windows, the server can run Linux or MacOS-X.
Home editions of Windows are sometimes unacceptable because of connection and networking limits. The best editions are Pro, Business, or Ultimate.
The following operating systems were formerly supported. They are no longer supported because Microsoft has stopped supporting them or due to certain limitations of Open Dental.
| Operating system | Date Support Suspended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | October 14, 2025 | |
| Windows Server 2012 | October 10, 2023 | Microsoft.com End of Support article. Not compatible with MariaDB. Users must utilize MySQL 5.5 or MySQL 5.6. |
| Windows Server 2012 R2 | October 10, 2023 | Microsoft.com End of Support article. MariaDB users may need to install the corresponding Windows Update. |
| Windows 8.1 | January 10, 2023 | Microsoft.com End of Support article. MariaDB users may need to install the corresponding Windows Update. |
| Windows 8 | Not compatible with necessary .Net Framework requirements | |
| Windows 7 | January 14th, 2020 | Microsoft.com End of Support article |
| Windows Server 2008 | January 14th, 2020 | |
| Windows Server 2003 | Cannot be used for eServices | |
| Windows Vista | April 11, 2017 | |
| Windows XP | April 8, 2014 | Cannot be used for eServices |
| Windows 2000 | July 13, 2010 |
Maximum number of simultaneous connections for a windows file share:
| Operating System | Maximum # of connections | Client Access License needed? | Notes |
| Windows 11 | 20 | All editions | |
| Windows 10 | 20 | All editions | |
| Linux | No limit |
Processor: The newer and faster, the better.
Video Card: Most modern graphics processors should work including NVIDIA, AMD Radeon and integrated Intel solutions.
Hard Drive: Open Dental takes up far less than 1 GB, so any hard drive will work.
- Typical workstation installation storage needed: 200 - 300MB
- Typical server installation needed: 1 - 2GB + database size + A to Z folder
- SSD or NVMe hard drives are recommended, but not required.
Browser Support: When using eServices, the following browsers are supported:
- Internet Explorer 10 and above
- All Edge versions
- Chrome 40 and above
- Firefox 35 and above
- Opera 25 and above
- Safari 8 and above
Note: Google Chrome is the recommended eServices browser for iOS 10 and above.
If using Electronic Prescriptions, Microsoft Edge is required.
Software:
- Required: Microsoft dot Net (.NET).
- To view PDF files: Internet Explorer or Edge, or Adobe Reader version 8.0 or later.
Laptop Computers: Laptops or tablet computers that run a full version of Windows and meet the other necessary requirements can be used with Open Dental. If you plan to use a tablet computer as a Kiosk device, see Tablet for additional details.