Tips for checking whether your computer meets LENA Hub requirements

If you don't have IT support to check your computer against the LENA Hub computer requirements, follow the steps in this article.

Check for Windows 10 or 11 operating system

A Windows 10 or 11 PC is required for LENA Hub, the device transfer software. It can be a laptop or a desktop.

LENA Hub does not work on:

  • Mac (even with Windows installed)
  • Chromebook or any computer with Chrome operating system
  • non-Windows tablet*
  • any kind of cell phone

If you're not sure whether your computer is Windows 10, follow these steps to view your system information:

  1. Right-click on the Windows Start button.
    • Usually in the lower left corner of the screen, and usually black and white, it is part of the taskbar.
    • Click it using the right-side (secondary) button on your mouse.
    • If instead you see a round button like a target, or nothing in the lower left and an Apple icon in the upper left (or anywhere on the outside of the computer), this computer will not work for LENA Hub.
  2. Select System.
  3. Check the Windows Specifications section for Windows 10 or Windows 11.
    • One the System Settings screen, look for the operating system, or “edition.” This is usually found on the bottom half of the screen, under Windows Specifications. Must be Windows 10 or 11. (It doesn't matter whether it's Pro, Home, Enterprise, etc.)
    • Keep this window open for now.
*What about a Windows tablet, such as Surface Pro or Surface Go?

The answer here is always "it depends." Here are the considerations:

  • Some Surface models lack a USB type A port, which is necessary to connect the device to the computer.
  • A Surface with sufficient storage space on the hard drive can run LENA Hub if the internet connection is fast enough for cloud processing. However, if the internet connection is not fast enough, then your computer must do the processing. In this situation, the processor and the RAM matter! Less expensive Surface models have lower power processors and limited RAM. Processing devices on the hard drive may be very slow as a result. The computer will likely be unable able to perform any other tasks during processing due to the draw on resources, or it may even freeze up.
  • The Surface is sold in “S Mode," which allows apps only from the Microsoft Store. Hub is not a Microsoft Store app, so you must disable S Mode in order to install Hub. This is a permanent switch, so if the Surface is the computer of choice due to the safety advantage of S Mode (it can’t install “bad” apps), be aware that this advantage will be lost.

Check for USB port

A standard USB port, type A (2.0 or 3.0) is required for connecting the LENA devices. Look for the kind of port where you would plug in any of these:

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Check Internet upload speed

Internet access should be through wifi or ethernet cable, not a cellular hotspot.

Upload speed must be 2 Mbps or higher. Here is one way to check your internet speed:

  1. Go to www.speedtest.net
  2. Hit the big GO button. It will run three tests: Ping, Download, and Upload.
  3. Verify that Upload speed is 2 Mbps or higher. Any result reported in Kbps is too slow.
What if the upload speed is too slow or just barely passes?

For speeds under 2 Mbps, we will need to take a closer look at your computer’s processor and RAM to verify it can work for local processing. It's a good idea to check these if your speed is between 2 and 4 Mbps, too.

Processor details and RAM can be found in the System Settings window you opened earlier when checking for Windows 10. On the Device specifications area click “Copy,” and then paste the information into an email to [email protected]. Mention what your upload speed was and how many devices you'll be processing in a sitting, and we'll get back to you with advice.

Check available storage space

The system requirements specify at least 100 GB free space because we're confident that this will cover all possible situations. This space should be on the main drive (C:\), not on an external drive.

Here is one way to check your hard drive space:

  1. Open Windows File Explorer. (Easy shortcut: Hold down the Windows key and press E.)
  2. In the list of folders on the left, click This PC.
  3. Under the image for Windows (C:) check your free space. Any amount reported in MB is not enough.
Can I get away with less than 100 GB?

In short: maybe.

If your Hub will be used for processing 10 or fewer devices at a time, and if you can commit to keeping the existing space clear (no saving photos, videos, flyers, sound files, etc.) then a minimum of 30 GB will allow you to install LENA Hub and work with the data, even if you have to use local processing. Be aware that if your disk space runs too low, LENA Hub will not let you transfer any devices until you create more space.