Requirements side by side
Descript also notes that fanless Intel MacBook Air models may have performance issues with heavy workloads, and recommends 10 Gigabit Ethernet for 4K shared network storage workflows.
| Component | Mac | Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | macOS 14 Sonoma or later | 64-bit Windows 11 or later |
| Processor | Apple silicon M1 or later, or Intel 7th Gen (Kaby Lake) or newer | Intel 7th Gen or newer with Quick Sync, or AMD Ryzen 3000 / Threadripper 2000 or newer |
| Minimum RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Recommended RAM | 16 GB unified memory (Apple silicon); 16 GB for HD, 32 GB for 4K (Intel) | Dual-channel; 16 GB for HD, 32 GB or more for 4K and higher |
| GPU | Apple silicon: integrated GPU, no dedicated GPU needed. Intel: 4 GB for HD and some 4K, 6 GB or more for 4K and higher | 4 GB GPU memory for HD and some 4K, 6 GB or more for 4K and higher |
| Storage | Fast internal SSD for app and cache; keep 20 GB or more free (20 to 40 GB recommended) | Same |
| Display | 1920 x 1080 or higher | 1920 x 1080 or higher |
| Internet | 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload minimum | Same |
Who is affected by the current floor
The two lines that rule out the most machines are the operating systems. On Windows, Descript requires 64-bit Windows 11 or later, so a PC that cannot upgrade from Windows 10 is not supported. On Mac, macOS 14 Sonoma is the floor, which excludes Macs that stopped receiving macOS updates before Sonoma.
Descript also says it supports the current version of Descript and versions released within the last three months. The desktop app updates itself in the background and applies the update next time you open it, so staying on an old build on an old OS is not a long-term workaround.
Descript may also be unavailable in some countries or regions because of payment processor limits; its help center says if your country is missing from the payment method dropdown, it is likely unsupported.
Desktop app versus browser
The desktop app runs on macOS and Windows only, per Descript's download and install article. Descript for Web runs in a supported browser for creating and collaborating in a browser. Descript does not publish a full feature-difference list between the two in the articles we checked.
For the browser, Descript recommends Chromium-based browsers and officially supports Chrome, Edge and Opera, with Firefox supported for web editing. It is not officially supported on mobile browsers or on tablets and devices such as Chromebooks and iPads: preview playback may work, but editing and account features do not. If Chrome shows an "Incompatible browser or device" error, Descript's fix is to turn on graphics acceleration in Chrome's System settings and restart, and failing that, to use the desktop app.
| Device | Descript support per help center |
|---|---|
| Mac on macOS 14+ | Desktop app and web |
| Windows 11 PC | Desktop app and web |
| Windows 10 PC | Desktop app not supported (Windows 11 required); web in a supported browser is the remaining route to check |
| Chromebook | Not officially supported; editing does not work |
| iPad or phone browser | Not officially supported; preview playback only |
What affects speed, per Descript's docs
Descript's requirements article ties three things to performance. Internet speed: below 50 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up, file uploads, project loading and revision restores may be delayed, which matters because Descript projects are cloud-backed. Resolution: RAM and GPU memory recommendations double from HD to 4K. Storage: the app and cache want a fast internal SSD with 20 to 40 GB free.
Descript does not publish transcription or export speed figures in these articles, so we do not quote any. For playback problems, it documents one setting: enabling Force software video decoding in App settings moves decoding from the GPU to the CPU, which can help with blank scenes, videos not loading or playback stalling, especially on certain Intel Arc GPUs.
Usage limits are not hardware limits
Some slowdowns people blame on hardware are plan limits. Descript counts media minutes when you upload or record media, including Rooms sessions measured by total session length (a one-hour session with five participants uses 60 media minutes), and still images count as one second each. AI tools such as Studio Sound, Remove filler words and Underlord spend AI credits; Descript caps Studio Sound and Remove filler words at 30 credits per file or application. Unused amounts do not roll over.
Before upgrading a computer to make Descript feel faster, check your Usage tab: a project waiting on media minutes or credits will not be fixed by more RAM.
Checklist before installing
- macOS 14 or later, or 64-bit Windows 11.
- 8 GB RAM minimum; 16 GB if you edit HD video, 32 GB for 4K on Windows or Intel Mac.
- On Windows or Intel Mac: at least 4 GB GPU memory for HD, 6 GB for 4K.
- An SSD with 20 to 40 GB free for the app and cache.
- An internet connection of at least 50 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up.
- Camera, microphone and screen recording permissions available to you (System Settings > Privacy & Security on Mac; Settings > Privacy & security on Windows).
- Your country appears in Descript's payment method list if you plan to pay.
Questions before you decide
Does Descript run on Windows 10?
Descript's current system requirements list 64-bit Windows 11 or later for the desktop app, so Windows 10 is not supported for it.
Can I use Descript on a Chromebook or iPad?
Descript says it is not officially supported on mobile browsers or devices such as Chromebooks or iPads. Preview playback may work, but editing and account features do not.
How much RAM does Descript need?
The minimum is 8 GB. Descript recommends 16 GB unified memory on Apple silicon, and on Windows or Intel Macs 16 GB for HD and 32 GB for 4K.
What internet speed does Descript need?
Descript lists a minimum of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. It says slower connections may delay uploads, project loading and revision restores.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Descript Help: Descript system requirements Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Descript Help: Download and install Descript Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Descript Help: Track and understand your media minutes and AI credits Accessed 30 Oct 2026
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