Choosing a Computer for Your POS #
register by ability business is designed to run on modern Windows and Mac computers. Choosing a computer that meets or exceeds our recommended specifications will help ensure a smooth, reliable checkout experience.
Your POS computer may also be used for other business activities such as inventory management, ordering, email, marketing, and reporting, so we recommend choosing a computer that gives you some room beyond the minimum requirements.
Supported Operating Systems #
register currently supports:
- Windows 11 (64-bit)
- macOS supported on compatible Mac computers with Apple Silicon and network printers only.
New to Mac? register now supports macOS, Version 1.11.0, giving retailers more flexibility when choosing the computer that best fits their business.
To help you get the best performance from register by ability business, we’ve developed a set of computer specifications outlining both minimum requirements and recommended setups. These guidelines are set to help ensure smooth operation of the POS system while keeping in mind that your business computer may also handle other essential tasks like inventory ordering, email, marketing, and more.
While the table provides a solid baseline, investing in a higher-performance computer can make a significant difference, helping your system run faster, stay reliable, and support your growing business needs well beyond the minimum specs.
Minimum requirements & recommended specifications #
| Minimum Requirements | Recommended Specifications | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit) *Windows 10 is EOL and may not be supported by future versions of register | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i3 (8th gen) or AMD Ryzen 3 (2nd gen) | Intel Core i5 (8th gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 (3rd gen) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB to 8 GB | 16 GB or higher |
| Storage | 10 GB available space on a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) *more space may be required for large company files | 10 GB available space on a Solid State Drive (SSD) *more space may be required for large company files |
| Graphics (GPU) | 2 GB VRAM (Dedicated e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660, AMD Radeon HD 7850) Integrated graphics are acceptable. | 6 GB VRAM (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060, AMD Radeon RX 580) |
| Display | 1400 x 1050 resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) or higher |
| Network | Wired or wireless connection | Wired ethernet connection |
| Internet | Broadband Internet connection (for online features) | Broadband Internet connection (for online features) Cellular internet backup if primary internet connection is unreliable |
Choosing a Computer for Your POS #
For a dedicated checkout station, you don’t need a high-end computer to run register. A current-generation computer with adequate memory, an SSD, and a reliable internet connection should provide a good checkout experience.
If you’re purchasing a new computer specifically for register, we recommend 16 GB of RAM, an SSD, and a modern processor rather than purchasing the least expensive computer that meets the minimum requirements.
Hardware Considerations #
Your computer is only one part of your POS setup. Before purchasing equipment, consider compatibility with the hardware you plan to use, including:
- Receipt printers
- Barcode scanners
- Cash drawers
- Label printers
- Payment devices
- Scales
Important: Hardware compatibility can vary by operating system. If you are moving to macOS, confirm that your required POS peripherals are supported before purchasing your computer.
Disclaimer #
For the best results, consider working with an IT professional or company to ensure your computer, network, peripherals, and overall POS setup are appropriate for your business needs.
