System requirements for Sage 50 Payroll

Compatible operating systems:

Sage 50 Payroll is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the following operating systems:

• Windows® 10
• Windows® 11
• Windows® Server 2025
• Windows® Server 2022
• Windows® Server 2019
• Windows® Server 2016

How to check your operating system

1. Press the Windows key and R on your keyboard. 
2. Type winver then click OK.
3. About Windows opens, which details your operating system information. 

Other operating systems

You can only run Sage 50 Payroll on a Windows operating system.

If you use an Apple Mac, it may be possible to run Windows within a virtual environment. However, we don't test Sage 50 Payroll in this environment, and we recommend you don't use this setup.

You need to ensure that you install all the latest Microsoft service packs and updates.

RAM (Memory)

You need a minimum of 2 gigabytes (GB) of memory to run Sage 50 Payroll.

To check your RAM:

1. Press the Windows key and R on your keyboard.
2. Type msinfo32 then click OK.
3. Check the 'Installed Physical Memory (RAM)' value.

Free disk space

You need 2GB of free disk space to install Sage 50 Payroll. You also need extra space for data files of any companies you process in your software.

 NOTE: You can't store data related to Sage 50 Payroll in online storage, such as OneDrive or SharePoint. 

To check your free disk space:

1. Press the Windows key and E on your keyboard.
2. Select This PC on the left.
3. Right-click C: then click Properties.

Processor

You need a 2Ghz processor or equivalent for Sage 50 Payroll to work successfully.

 NOTE: Sage 50 Payroll isn’t compatible with devices with an ARM-based processor. For more information, visit our using ARM-based devices article. 

Internet Browser

Sage 50 Payroll uses your Default Internet Browser as set in Windows to display web-based content.

Network speed

You need 1Gbps (100Mbps minimum) for Sage 50 Payroll.

Performance improves with higher specification computers and networks.

Terminal server

It's possible to access Sage 50 Payroll remotely in a terminal server environment. However, there are potential issues that may arise and feature limitations when you run the software in this way.

Find out more in the install Sage 50 Payroll or Sage 50 P11D on a terminal server article.