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.

ComponentWhat it needs
CirrosWindowsServiceRuns as a Windows service. 64-bit (x64) only. Needs .NET Framework 4.8.1.
CirrosNotificationClientDesktop application that shows notifications. Needs .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.
OEMApplicationDesktop application that renders documents. Needs .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.
IPP ServerLocal 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

ItemMinimumRecommended
CPU64-bit (x64) dual-core, 2.0 GHzx64 quad-core, 2.5 GHz or faster
RAM4 GB8 GB
StorageSSD with about 5 GB freeSSD with 20 GB or more free
Display1366 × 768, with an interactive desktop logon1920 × 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 systemMinimum versionMinimum build
Windows 10 (x64)21H219044
Windows 11 (x64)21H222000
Windows Server 2022 or later (x64, Desktop Experience)Not applicable20348

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.

PortProtocolPurpose
10444HTTPThe local web host of the CirrosWindowsService
10443HTTPSThe 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 systemMinimum versionMinimum build
Windows 11 (x64)22H222621

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).

This single profile covers all five components.

ItemSpecification
Operating systemWindows 11 x64, version 22H2 or later (build 22621 or later)
CPUx64 quad-core
RAM8 GB
StorageSSD with 20 GB or more free
SessionInteractive desktop session
NetworkTCP 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)
PrintingMicrosoft IPP Class Driver (built into Windows)
workstationclientrequirementsspecificationwindows