Workstation minimum specification
This page sets out what a Windows workstation needs to run the Cirros client: hardware, Windows version, network ports and runtimes. It also shows how the requirements change if you add the optional Cirros Printer Support App. Use it for pre-deployment checks.
Version-specific. The Windows builds and runtime versions below are the point of this page, so they are given exactly. This page reflects the specification issued on 11/06/2026.
What is covered
The core deployment is four components.
| Component | What it needs |
|---|---|
| CirrosWindowsService | Runs as a Windows service. 64-bit (x64) only. Needs .NET Framework 4.8.1. |
| CirrosNotificationClient | Desktop application that shows notifications. Needs .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later. |
| OEMApplication | Desktop application that renders documents. Needs .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later. |
| IPP Server | Local print server, 64-bit (x64) only. Needs the Visual C++ runtime. |
The optional fifth component is the Cirros Printer Support App. See Adding the Printer Support App.
Core deployment
This applies to a workstation running the four core components without the Printer Support App.
Hardware
| Item | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 64-bit (x64) dual-core, 2.0 GHz | x64 quad-core, 2.5 GHz or faster |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | SSD with about 5 GB free | SSD with 20 GB or more free |
| Display | 1366 × 768, with an interactive desktop logon | 1920 × 1080 |
The RAM figures are an estimate based on the workload, not a fixed limit.
Windows version
A 64-bit version of Windows is required.
| Operating system | Minimum version | Minimum build |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 (x64) | 21H2 | 19044 |
| Windows 11 (x64) | 21H2 | 22000 |
| Windows Server 2022 or later (x64, Desktop Experience) | Not applicable | 20348 |
Windows Server. Windows Server 2022 or later (64-bit, Desktop Experience) is supported, including shared Remote Desktop (multi-user) servers. On a shared server the built-in troubleshooter only checks and reports: it does not restart the print spooler or rebuild the print queue, because that would affect everyone signed in. Windows Server 2016 and 2019 are not supported, because the installer needs Windows build 19044 or later. The optional Printer Support App needs Windows 11 22H2 or later, so it cannot be used on Windows Server.
Network ports
These TCP ports must be free on the workstation. The Cirros service and clients use them locally.
| Port | Protocol | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 10444 | HTTP | The local web host of the CirrosWindowsService |
| 10443 | HTTPS | The same web host, over TLS |
Software prerequisites
- .NET Framework 4.8.1. This also covers the components that need 4.7.2.
- Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64). Needed by the IPP Server and other components.
- Microsoft IPP Class Driver. This is the driver built into Windows. It is used to print to the Cirros print queue, so it needs no separate install on Windows 10 or 11.
- No separate database. The client stores its data locally and needs no database server. It creates its own working folders for spooling, scanning and logs.
Adding the Printer Support App
The Cirros Printer Support App is optional. It is a Windows Print Support App, delivered as an MSIX package. Adding it raises the Windows version you need and adds two runtimes. Hardware needs do not change.
Windows version
The Print Support App platform needs Windows 11 22H2 or later. Windows 10 is not enough once you add this component.
| Operating system | Minimum version | Minimum build |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 (x64) | 22H2 | 22621 |
Extra runtimes
- .NET 8 Desktop Runtime (x64).
- Windows App SDK 1.8 runtime.
Package signing
The Cirros MSIX packages are publicly code-signed, so Windows trusts them without any manual certificate import or sideloading step.
For how Cirros works with Windows Protected Print, see Windows Protected Print (WPP).
Recommended specification
This single profile covers all five components.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 x64, version 22H2 or later (build 22621 or later) |
| CPU | x64 quad-core |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Storage | SSD with 20 GB or more free |
| Session | Interactive desktop session |
| Network | TCP ports 10443 and 10444 free |
| Runtimes | .NET Framework 4.8.1; .NET 8 Desktop Runtime (x64); Windows App SDK 1.8 runtime; Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable (x64) |
| Printing | Microsoft IPP Class Driver (built into Windows) |