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.
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
This article covers:
macOS System Recommendations
| Recommended specifications | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® 7thGen or newer CPU (aka Kaby Lake), or Apple silicon M1 or later. Note: Fan-less Intel MacBook Air models may experience performance issues with heavy workloads. |
| Operating system | macOS 13 (Ventura) or later |
| Memory |
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| GPU |
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| Storage |
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| 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 |
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 11 or later |
| Memory |
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| GPU |
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| Storage | Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache |
Additional setup and performance tips
Free disk space
Descript uses cloud storage, but certain actions still rely on your local disk. We recommend keeping at least 20 GB of free space available, especially when working with larger projects.
Screen recorder requirements
Screen recorder has additional requirements:
- Minimum 16GB DDR4 RAM
- A dedicated GPU is required. GPU driver must be from 2021 or later. If your driver is outdated, we recommend against using the screen recorder. How to check your driver version
Internet speeds
50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload are the minimum recommended. Lower speeds may delay file uploads, project loading, and revision restores.
Force software video decoding
When toggled on in App settings, this setting disables GPU-based video decoding and uses your CPU instead. If you're seeing playback issues—such as scenes appearing blank, videos not loading, or playback stalling after launch—enabling this option can help, especially for systems using certain Intel Arc GPUs.
Browser requirements
A browser is required for authentication. For best results using the Web version of Descript, we recommend a Chromium-based browser; Chrome, Edge, and Opera are officially supported.
This error usually means hardware acceleration is turned off in Chrome. To fix it, go to chrome://settings/system and toggle on Use graphics acceleration when available, then restart your browser.
Enable permissions for camera, microphone, and screen sharing
Descript needs permission to access your camera, microphone, and screen to record. If you're having trouble recording or see permission errors, check your system settings.
macOS desktop app
- Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions)
- Click Privacy & Security
- Enable permissions for Descript under:
- Camera
- Microphone
- Screen Recording
Windows desktop app
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy & security
- Select Camera, then allow access by Descript. Repeat for Microphone.
Browser permissions
When prompted by your browser, click Allow to grant Descript access to your camera, microphone, and screen.
If you've previously blocked access, click the lock icon in the address bar, then enable Camera, Microphone, and Screen sharing.
Minimum system requirements
macOS Desktop
- Minimum 8GB RAM
- macOS 13.0 or later
- A browser is required for authentication. Chrome, Firefox, or Safari are supported. For best results using the Web version of Descript, we recommend a Chromium-based browser, with Chrome, Edge, and Opera being officially supported.
Windows Desktop
- Minimum 8GB RAM
- Windows 11 or later
- A browser is required for authentication. Chrome, Firefox, or Safari are supported. For best results using the Web version of Descript, we recommend a Chromium-based browser, with Chrome, Edge, and Opera being officially supported.
Mobile and tablet support
Descript does not currently offer a mobile app for editing. While you can upload media from your phone using the mobile upload feature, all editing tools are available only on desktop or the web version of Descript.
Descript is not officially supported on mobile browsers or tablet devices like Chromebooks or iPads. You may be able to preview playback, but editing and account features are not supported. For the best experience, use the web app or download the desktop app.
Descript requires a 64-bit operating system. We do not offer a 32-bit version of the app or installer.
Restricted Countries or Regions
Due to restrictions from our payment processor, Descript may not be available in certain countries or regions. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Syria
- The Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine
If you don’t see your country listed in the dropdown when adding a payment method, it means our payment processor likely does not support payments from that country.