Venn's Blue Border™ can be used on a variety of laptop and desktop computers. Devices must meet the system requirements below to install and run Venn’s Workplace app.
In addition to Blue Border system requirements, review the additional device specifications detailed below, which will significantly impact your experience working on your device.
Visit this page for Venn’s mobile app requirements and this page for Workplace Stronghold requirements.
Blue Border System Requirements
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Processor
- Windows: Intel or AMD Processor, Dual-Core or more (ARM is not supported)
- Mac: Intel Dual-Core or more or Apple Silicon Chip (M-series or A-series)
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Operating System
- Windows:
- Windows 10, version 22H2, x64 bit
- Windows 11, version 22H2, 23H2, 24H2, or 25H2
- Mac:
- macOS Ventura, version 13 or higher
- macOS Sonoma, version 14 or higher
- macOS Sequoia, version 15 or higher
- macOS Tahoe, version 26 or higher
- Windows:
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Storage
- At least 128 GB capacity
- At least 1 GB available storage
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Internet Connection
You must have an internet connection to log in and launch applications in Blue Border.
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Encryption (Windows)
Windows devices must meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support to create the Venn Disk.
Note: Your device only needs to meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support. Device Encryption/BitLocker does not need to be enabled to use Blue Border.
If you are unsure if your device meets the system requirements above, click to expand the appropriate section below for detailed information about each requirement, including how to find out if your current device meets the requirements and what to do if your device doesn’t meet the requirements.
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Devices must have one of the supported processors below to use Blue Border.
Windows Mac Supported Processors Intel or AMD Processor, Dual-Core or more (ARM is not supported; see details below) - Intel Dual-Core or more
- Apple Silicon Chip (M-series or A-series)What processor does my device have? Navigate to your device specifications following the instructions in this article to determine what type of Processor your Windows device has.
Examples:Processor 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1185G7 @ 3.00 GHz 3.00GHzProcessor AMD Ryzen 5 5625U with Radeon Graphics 2.30 GHzNavigate to the page in these instructions to determine what type of Processor your Mac device has.
Examples:Chip Apple M1Processor 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7What if my device doesn’t have a supported processor? It will not be possible to use Blue Border on your device if it doesn't have a supported processor. Not Supported
Windows ARM and ARM64 processors are not supported.
Common Windows devices with ARM processors include:
- Microsoft Surface Pro 11
- Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge
- HP EliteBook Ultra ("Q" models)Note: Venn is in the process of developing support for ARM64 Processors and will announce once they are supported for use with Blue Border. Venn does not plan to support ARM32 Processors.
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Devices must have one of the supported Operating Systems below directly installed (and only one OS running) to use Blue Border.
Windows Mac Supported Operating Systems - Windows 10, version 22H2, x64 bit
- Windows 11, version 22H2, 23H2, 24H2, or 25H2Please Note: Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. Learn more about Venn’s support for Windows 10.
- macOS Ventura, version 13 or higher
- macOS Sonoma, version 14 or higher
- macOS Sequoia, version 15 or higher
- macOS Tahoe, version 26 or higherVenn recommends installing the latest updates to your operating system to ensure that you stay protected with the latest security fixes. Follow these steps to get the latest updates:
- Windows
- MacWhat Operating System does my device have? Learn how to determine what Operating System your Windows device has.
Example:System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processorEdition Windows 11 ProVersion 23H2Navigate to the page in these instructions to determine what type of Operating System your Mac device has.
Example:macOS Sonoma 14.0What if my device doesn’t have a supported Operating System? If you are using Linux, follow these steps to switch to Windows.
If you are using ChromeOS Flex, review Google recommendations.If you are using an older Operating System, follow these steps to upgrade. Not Supported
Any virtualized Operating System (ex: VMWare, Parallels, VirtualBox, Remote Desktop (RDP)).
Systems configured to boot multiple Operating Systems such as:
- An Apple device with Bootcamp running Windows
- An Apple device with multiple volumes of macOS
- A PC with multiple versions of Windows -
Devices must meet the minimum storage requirements below to use Blue Border.
Windows Mac Required Storage - At least 128GB of capacity
- At least 1GB of available storage (in order to install Venn's Workplace app)How much storage does my device have? Learn how to determine how much storage your Windows hard drive has.
Example:Local Disk (C:) - 476 GB122 GB used 353 GB freeLearn how to determine how much storage your Mac hard drive has.
Example:Macintosh HD 84.8 GB of 494.38 GB usedWhat if my device doesn’t have sufficient storage? It will not be possible to use Blue Border on your device if your Hard Drive doesn’t have sufficient storage capacity.
If you don’t have enough available storage, you can optimize how you’re using your storage so that you have enough to install Venn. Try these tips for your Windows or Mac device. -
You must have an internet connection to log in and launch applications in Blue Border.
You can work offline in Venn temporarily when you need to access work from a location where you will not have reliable internet access. However, you always need an internet connection to log in and launch applications in Blue Border. Learn more about working offline in Blue Border. -
Windows devices must meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support to create the Venn Disk.
Device Encryption/BitLocker does not need to be enabled to use Blue Border. Your device only needs to meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support.Device Encryption Requirement Your device must meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support. Does my device meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support? Most modern Windows devices meet Windows’ Device Encryption prerequisites automatically. Visit this article from Microsoft to learn more about why Device Encryption might not be available on Windows.
To check your device's encryption support status:
- Click Start and type System Information in the search bar.
- Right-click System Information in the results and select Run as administrator.
- In the left panel, make sure System Summary is selected.
- Scroll down in the right panel and find Automatic Device Encryption Support or Device Encryption Support.
The value next to Automatic Device Encryption Support or Device Encryption Support will tell you the support status of Device Encryption.
If the value is "Meets prerequisites," your device meets Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support.
What if my device doesn't meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support? It will not be possible to use Blue Border on your device if your Automatic Device Encryption Support or Device Encryption Support value isn't "Meets prerequisites." You may be able to resolve the issue to use Blue Border on your device.
Expand the section that reflects your device's Automatic Device Encryption Support or Device Encryption Support value to resolve the issue:
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TPM (Trusted Platform Module) must be enabled on your device to meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support.
If TPM isn't enabled on your device, you'll need to enable it in your device's BIOS or UEFI firmware settings.
These settings vary by device. Look for a setting labeled TPM, TPM Security, Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, or Security Device Support and ensure it is enabled. If you're unsure how to access or navigate your BIOS settings, contact your IT administrator or device manufacturer for assistance.
If your device doesn't have a TPM or if you can't enable TPM on your device, you will not be able to use Blue Border on it.
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Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) must be configured on your device to meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support.
If WinRE is disabled on your device, the following command may resolve the issue:
- Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Type
reagentc /enableand press Enter. - Restart your device and check System Information again.
If those steps don't resolve the issue, WinRE may need to be repaired or rebuilt, which requires more advanced troubleshooting. Contact your IT administrator or device manufacturer for assistance.
If you can't enable WinRE on your device, you will not be able to use Blue Border on it.
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PCR7 binding must be supported on your device to meet Windows prerequisites for Device Encryption support.
PCR7 binding may not be supported if there are peripherals connected at startup. Try disconnecting any external devices (such as a docking station, external graphics card, or specialized network adapter) and restart your device, then check System Information again.
If the issue persists, you'll need to update one or both of the following settings in your device's BIOS or UEFI firmware settings:
- Secure Boot must be enabled
- CSM (Compatibility Support Module) must be disabled
These settings vary by device. If you're unsure how to access or navigate your BIOS settings, contact your IT administrator or device manufacturer for assistance.
If PCR7 binding isn't supported on your device, you will not be able to use Blue Border on it.
Additional Device Specifications to Consider
In addition to the basic requirements your device needs to meet to install and run Venn’s Workplace app, you may want to consider additional device specifications, which will determine how quickly your work apps load and respond on your device both inside and outside of Blue Border.
- If you’re new to this job, using a new device, or if you have worked on the same device using a hosted, VDI, or DaaS solution (like older versions of Venn’s Workplace software, Citrix, or VMware), consider the device specifications below.
- If you have previously run apps for work directly on your device (with no hosting or virtualization), you’ll know exactly the level of performance to expect. You don’t need to consider any additional specifications.
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Definition: RAM is your device's short-term memory that temporarily holds data and instructions so programs can run quickly and multitask smoothly. If you don’t have enough RAM to support your device usage, you may experience slower performance and lag when running apps or multitasking. Think about the types of apps, websites, and files you use and how much multitasking you do when determining how much RAM you need.
Recommendations:
- 8 GB: Sufficient for basic tasks like light web browsing, checking email, and using Microsoft Office apps. Not sufficient if you have many apps, tabs, or files open at the same time or if you use resource-intensive apps or large files.
- 16 GB: Recommended for multitasking, opening larger documents, sharing your screen during video calls, and photo/video editing.
- 32 GB: Recommended for complex data analysis or very resource-heavy applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and graphic design software.
Your Device's Specs: Follow these instructions to determine how much RAM (memory) your device has: Windows, Mac.
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Definition:
Storage is the total space your device has to hold files, applications, and data. This is the maximum amount of information your device can store at one time. Higher capacity allows you to install more applications and save more documents, photos, and videos outside of Blue Border without running out of space.
Recommendations:
- 128 GB: Sufficient if you only need to use a few desktop apps for work and personal use and store a limited amount of documents, photos, or music on the device.
- 256 GB: Good for users who need to have a larger number of apps installed and/or want to store more documents, photos, music, and/or videos on the device.
- 512 GB: Recommended for users handling larger files or demanding apps, like photo/video editing or design tools, with room for extensive media libraries.
Your Device's Specs:
Follow these instructions to determine how much storage your device has: Windows, Mac.
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Definition:
Available storage is the portion of your storage capacity that is free and ready to use. Available storage decreases as you install applications and save files outside of Blue Border, and it increases if you delete or move items. Having sufficient available storage helps your device run smoothly and prevents slowdowns when opening apps or saving files.
Recommendations:
- 50-100 GB free: Sufficient if you only need to download a few additional apps and store a limited number of documents, photos, or music outside Blue Border.
- 100-200 GB free: Good for users who will need to download more apps and/or want to store a moderate number of documents, photos, music, and videos outside Blue Border.
- 200 GB or more free: Recommended for users handling large files or demanding apps, like photo/video editing or design tools.
Your Device's Specs:
Follow these instructions to determine how much storage your device has: Windows, Mac.
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Definition:
The type of hard drive your device has affects how quickly your device can start up, launch applications, and open or save files. When choosing a device, prioritize one with a Solid-State Drive (SSD) rather than a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for significantly better performance and reliability.
Recommendations:
We recommend a SSD Hard Drive for all users.
Your Device's Specs:
Follow these instructions to determine what type of hard drive your device has: Windows, Mac.
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Definition:
The processor interprets and executes instructions so your programs and tasks can run efficiently. If you don’t have a powerful enough processor to support your device usage, you may experience slower response times, lag during multitasking, or freezing during complex operations. Think about how many applications you run at once and how performance-sensitive your tasks are when determining what type of processor you need.
Recommendations:
Windows
- Intel Core i3 8th Generation
- AMD Ryzen 3 3000 SeriesMac
- Intel Core 8th Generation
- Mac Apple Silicon M1 ChipWindows
- Intel Core i5 8th Generation
- AMD Ryzen 5 3000 SeriesMac: Mac Apple Silicon M2 Chip
Windows
- Intel Core i7 8th Generation
- AMD Ryzen 7 3000 SeriesMac: Mac Apple Silicon M3 Chip
Sufficient for basic workloads like email, web browsing, and office applications. Suitable for general users but not recommended for power users. Recommended for most users. Handles multitasking, video conferencing, and business applications smoothly. Best for power users running data-heavy analytics, creative software, or other performance-intensive workloads. Your Device's Specs:
Follow these instructions to determine what type of processor your device has: Windows, Mac.
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Definition:
Network bandwidth determines how quickly data can move between your device and the internet so you can browse, stream, and work online efficiently. If you don’t have enough bandwidth to support your device usage, you may experience slow file uploads or downloads, lag during video calls, or delays when accessing cloud-based apps. Think about how many devices share your network, how often you use video conferencing, and whether your work involves transferring large files.
Recommendations:
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5–10 Mbps: Sufficient for light tasks like email, messaging, and browsing websites.
25–50 Mbps: Recommended for most remote workers who frequently use video conferencing, cloud-based apps, and file sharing.
100 Mbps or higher: Ideal for power users or teams transferring large files or streaming HD/4K video.
Note: Even if your internet speed is sufficient, the quality of your connection can have a big impact on your work experience. Connection quality depends on factors like packet loss, latency, and network stability. Packet loss above 1%, latency over 50ms, and frequent connection drops can cause frozen video calls, delayed responses in cloud apps, or interruptions when transferring files.
Your Device's Specs:
Search for and run an internet speed test in your browser. The download rate is considered your internet bandwidth or speed.
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Supported Applications
When you are working in Blue Border, you may experience issues if the version of the app that you have installed is not compatible with Venn.
- In general, we recommend using the 64-bit version of apps when available for better quality and performance.
- Venn’s supported browsers are Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome.