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Dental Software Hardware Requirements: 2026 Guide
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Ezra Angelo
- • April 10, 2026
If your practice management software is slow, crashing, or struggling after updates, outdated hardware is almost always part of the problem.
Here are the verified 2026 hardware requirements for the three most widely used dental practice management systems: Dentrix, Eaglesoft, and Open Dental. All specs sourced directly from official vendor documentation.
Practices running on minimum hardware see slowdowns during peak hours, lag when loading imaging, and crashes during updates. Budget for recommended specs where possible.
Dentrix 2026 Hardware Requirements
Source: Henry Schein One, Dentrix System Requirements 2026 (published April 2026).
| Server | Workstation | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, or 2025 (64-bit) | Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)* |
| RAM | 16 GB minimum | 8 GB minimum / 16 GB recommended |
| Processor | 4+ cores at 2.4 GHz (Intel Core i7 9700 or AMD Ryzen 2700 or better) | 4+ cores at 2.4 GHz (Intel Core i5 9400 or AMD Ryzen 2600 or better) |
| Storage | 60 GB free space on SSD/NVMe | 20 GB free space on SSD or NVMe |
| Network | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Monitor | 1280 x 1024 minimum | 1280 x 1024 minimum |
Windows 10 support ended in October 2025. Henry Schein will stop supporting Dentrix on Windows 10 after June 30, 2026. Any workstation still on Windows 10 needs to be upgraded to Windows 11 before that date.
Eaglesoft 2026 Hardware Requirements
Source: Patterson Dental, Eaglesoft and CAESY Hardware Requirements (published March 2026).
| Server | Workstation | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, or 2025 (dedicated server required) | Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) |
| RAM | 16 GB recommended | 8 GB minimum / 16 GB recommended |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (3.0 GHz+) | Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 (2.4 GHz+) |
| Storage | SSD recommended, 250 GB or more | SSD recommended |
| Network | 1 Gbps wired (wireless not supported) | 1 Gbps wired (wireless not supported) |
| Monitor | 1280 x 1024 minimum | 1280 x 1024 minimum |
Eaglesoft requires a dedicated server running on Windows Server. It must be wired to the network. Wireless connections are not supported for the server. The server cannot be used as a workstation.
Open Dental 2026 Hardware Requirements
Source: Open Dental Software, Computer Requirements (opendental.com).
| Server | Workstation | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 or 11 / Windows Server 2016+ (64-bit) | Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) |
| RAM | 8 GB recommended (scales with workstation count) | 4 GB minimum / 8 GB recommended |
| Processor | Quad core, modern mid-range CPU | Dual core minimum / Quad core recommended |
| Storage | SSD or NVMe recommended (1-2 GB + database size) | SSD or NVMe recommended (200-300 MB install) |
| Network | 100 Mbps minimum / 1 Gbps recommended | 100 Mbps minimum / 1 Gbps recommended |
| Monitor | 1280 x 768 minimum | 1280 x 768 minimum / 27″ 1080p recommended |
Open Dental is the most hardware-flexible of the three platforms. It can run on a basic mid-range computer as a server, making it the most cost-effective option for startup practices. For cloud deployment, workstations just need a modern browser and a 20 Mbps internet connection.
Ekim IT Solutions Supports Dentrix, Eaglesoft, and Open Dental Practices Across New England, New York, and Remotely Across the US.
We identify every computer or server that does not meet 2026 specs before it becomes a problem.
We handle upgrades and migration planning before the June 2026 Dentrix cutoff. No scramble, no downtime.
We source, configure, and test new hardware before going live so your practice never skips a beat.
What These Specs Mean in Plain Language
Dentrix requires SSD or NVMe. Eaglesoft and Open Dental strongly recommend it. If your server or workstations are still running traditional hard drives, that is likely contributing to any slowness you are experiencing. An SSD upgrade is one of the fastest and most affordable performance fixes available.
Dentrix requires 16 GB on the server. Eaglesoft and Open Dental recommend 16 GB. Running Dentrix or Eaglesoft with 8 GB of RAM while imaging software is also open will cause noticeable slowdowns. Budget for 16 GB across all machines if you want a stable experience.
All three platforms recommend or require wired ethernet connections. Eaglesoft explicitly does not support wireless for the server. Dental imaging files are large. Wi-Fi drops cause lag that gets blamed on the software. Every operatory should be on a wired connection.
Dentrix drops Windows 10 support after June 30, 2026. Eaglesoft supports Windows 10 currently but will follow with its own timeline. Windows 11 is the right operating system for any new hardware purchase in 2026. If you are buying new workstations this year, buy Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ekim IT Solutions works exclusively with dental practices. We serve New England and New York with on-site support and dental practices nationwide with remote support. We check your current setup against the 2026 requirements for your specific software and tell you exactly what needs upgrading and what can wait.
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- • April 10, 2026
