Descript system requirements

If Descript isn’t performing as expected — your recordings are glitchy, projects are slow to load, or tools aren’t behaving — the issue may be related to your device or system setup.

This article outlines the recommended and minimum system requirements for Descript on macOS and Windows, including supported operating systems, hardware specs, internet speeds, and browser support.

We support the current version of Descript and any versions released within the last 3 months. Make sure your system is up-to-date for the best experience.

Seeing issues with your microphone or webcam?

Descript doesn’t support some recording devices and virtual input software, which may cause problems like static, missing audio, or failed device detection. View unsupported recording devices and services 

macOS System Recommendation

  Recommended specifications
Display 1920 x 1080 or greater
Network storage connection 10 Gigabit ethernet for 4K shared network workflow
Internet Speed 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload minimum
Processor Intel® 7thGen or newer CPU (aka Kaby Lake), or Apple silicon M1 or later - avoid fan-less configurations such as MacBook Air
Operating system

macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or later

Memory
  • Apple silicon:
    • 16 GB Unified Memory 
  • Intel:
    • HD media — 16 GB of RAM
    • 4K Media — 32 GB of RAM

GPU
  • Apple silicon:
    • 16 GB Unified Memory
  • Intel:
    • 4 GB of GPU Memory for HD and some 4K workflows
    • 6 GB or more for 4K and higher resolution workflows

Storage
  • Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache
  • Additional high-speed drive(s) for media

Windows System Recommendations

  Recommended specifications for HD, 4K, or higher
Display 1920 x 1080 or greater
Network storage connection 10 Gigabit ethernet for 4K shared network workflow
Internet Speed 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload minimum
Processor Intel® 7th Gen (aka Kaby Lake), or newer CPU with Quick Sync – or AMD Ryzen™ 3000 Series / Threadripper 2000 series or newer CPU
Operating system

Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) version V20H2 or later

Memory
  • Dual-channel memory:
    • 16 GB of RAM for HD media
    • 32 GB or more for 4K and higher

GPU
  • 4 GB of GPU memory for HD and some 4K media
  • 6 GB or more for 4K and higher 

Storage

 Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache

 

Other recommendations

  • Make sure you have at least 20GB of free hard drive space on your computer.

  • If you’re using the screen recorder, we recommend:

    • At least 16GB of DDR4 (or better) RAM
    • The GPU driver should be updated. If the driver is pre 2021 (how to check), there’s a good chance you’ll have problems, and we strongly recommend against trying the screen recorder.
    • There has to be a GPU for the recorder to operate. Currently, the recorder won’t run for systems without a GPU (i.e. servers).
  • For internet speeds, 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload is the minimum recommended, as lower speeds will significantly increase the duration to upload files, load projects, and restore revisions. 
  • We recommend using local storage when selecting a different offline storage location. Networked storage solutions are not officially supported, and may cause problems with file access within Descript. If you are using a networked storage solution and are encountering issues with file access, please try using a local storage option to see if that resolves your issue.

Minimum system requirements

macOS Desktop

  • Minimum 8GB RAM
  • macOS 11.0 or later
  • macOS 11.0 or later required for Computer Audio recording
  • A browser is required for authentication. Chrome, Firefox, or Safari will work. Keep in mind when it comes to editing on the Web version of Descript Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome, Edge, and Opera.

Windows Desktop

  • Minimum 8GB RAM
  • Microsoft Windows 64-bit OS (10.0 or greater)
  • Windows 10 Version 1903(May 2019 Update) or later required for Screen Recorder and Computer Audio
  • A browser is required for authentication. Chrome, Firefox, or Safari will work. Keep in mind when it comes to editing on the Web version of Descript Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome, Edge, and Opera.

Please note that Descript requires a 64-bit operating system, and we do not offer a 32-bit version of the application or installer.

Restricted Countries or Regions

Because of restrictions put in place by our payment processor, users in these countries are likely unable to use a paid Descript account:

  • Cuba
  • Iran
  • North Korea
  • Syria
  • The Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Descript available on Chromebooks, iPads, or mobile?

Descript may not work as expected on mobile devices. Share page playback works, but editing and account management are not supported. You can access Descript via the web at web.descript.com.

Why am I seeing an error about 20GB of free space?

Descript runs best with at least 20GB of free space. If you’re running low, you can change your offline storage location instead of deleting local files.