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The standard

What a computer needs to pass the Tech Check. Use it to check a computer you already have, or to choose one to buy. The 2026 standard.

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Six things a computer needs

  1. Processor: under 4 years old

    Age counts from the day the processor came out, not the day the computer was bought. A computer sold as new can still carry an older chip.

    When buying: Intel Core i5 or Core Ultra 5, AMD Ryzen 5, Snapdragon X, or better. Any Apple M chip with 16 GB. Skip budget chips (Celeron, Pentium, N-series).

  2. Memory: 16 GB

    Many thin laptops and every Mac have memory built into the board, so it cannot be added later.

    When buying: choose 16 GB from the start.

  3. System: Windows 11 Pro, or macOS 26 or newer

    Windows needs one of the latest updates: 26H1, 25H2 or 24H2. Settings → System → About shows which one you have. Windows 11 Home can move to Pro for about $100 in the Microsoft Store. Windows 10 does not qualify. A Mac updates under System Settings → General → Software Update.

    When buying: a PC sold with Windows 11 Pro saves the upgrade. Any new Mac qualifies.

  4. Storage: 30 GB free

    Onboarding needs 30 GB of free space. With less, the result asks you to free some up first.

    When buying: 256 GB of storage or more.

  5. Management: not managed by another company

    A computer from a previous employer is often still managed by them. That has to be removed before onboarding. Coastal Wealth Technology will help.

    When buying: a new computer is not managed by anyone. A used one may be, so run the Tech Check on it before you pay.

  6. Antivirus: the one built into Windows or macOS

    Microsoft Defender on Windows and XProtect on a Mac come built in, and they are all a computer needs. Security software a previous employer installed has to be removed. A home antivirus, like the McAfee or Norton trial on many new computers, only warns: uninstall it if you can.

    When buying: nothing. Skip the store's antivirus offer. Coastal Wealth provides protection during onboarding.

Set up during onboarding. Nothing to buy.

Coastal Wealth Technology sets these up when your computer is onboarded. You do not need a store's antivirus or an Office subscription, and either can conflict with ours.

  • Antivirus and securityProvided and managed by Coastal Wealth.
  • Microsoft 365Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams come with your Coastal Wealth account.
  • EncryptionYour drive is encrypted during onboarding.
  • Device managementYour computer joins MassMutual's device management, which keeps it up to date.

Coastal Wealth Technology

Not sure about a computer before you buy it? E-mail the model name to askit@mycoastalwealth.com and we will check it for you.