Examplify runs on most Windows 11 laptops and Macs from the last few years. On Windows you need version 24H2, 25H2 or 26H2, no S mode and Secure Boot on; on a Mac you need macOS Sequoia, Tahoe or Golden Gate on an Intel, A18 or M-series chip. It won’t run on a Chromebook, and while ExamSoft supports Snapdragon laptops and the MacBook Neo as of October 2026, some schools still say no, so your program’s list wins.
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This page answers “will mine work?” If you’re buying, our best laptop for ExamSoft guide has the picks.
Will Examplify run on my laptop? Device by device
| Device | Examplify | What decides it |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 laptop, Intel or AMD | Runs | Version 24H2, 25H2 or 26H2; no S mode; Secure Boot on |
| Windows on ARM (Snapdragon) | Runs with limits | Same builds, plus Examplify 3.10.0+; some schools ban ARM |
| Windows 11 in S mode | Won’t run | Switch out of S mode first (free, one-way) |
| Windows 10 | Won’t run | Not supported; upgrade to Windows 11 if the laptop qualifies |
| Chromebook | Won’t run | No workaround |
| Mac with an M-series chip | Runs | macOS Sequoia, Tahoe or Golden Gate |
| Mac with an Intel chip | Runs with limits | Sequoia or Tahoe only; Golden Gate needs Apple silicon |
| MacBook Neo | Runs with limits | ExamSoft lists A18; some schools still say no |
| iPad | Runs with limits | Separate iPad app, if your program allows it; not for bar exams |
| Surface Pro | Runs with limits | Only tablet ExamSoft supports, not for bar exams; consumer models are ARM |
| Surface Laptop | Runs with limits | Consumer models are Snapdragon, so ARM rules apply |
| Linux, Android, virtual machines | Won’t run | Not supported; a VM breaks ExamSoft’s EULA |
Source: ExamSoft minimum system requirements and bar exam requirements, checked October 18, 2026. Intel Mac limit: MacRumors (linked below).
Windows laptops with Intel or AMD chips
Almost all of them run it if Windows 11 is version 24H2, 25H2 or 26H2, isn’t in S mode and has Secure Boot on.
Don’t stay on 24H2, though. ExamSoft still certifies it, but Microsoft’s lifecycle page lists October 14, 2026 as the end date for Windows 11 Home and Pro version 24H2 (Microsoft). 25H2 and 26H2 are both certified. ExamSoft drops old versions too: Boston University Law’s guidelines say it retired 23H2 as of September 30, 2026 (BU Law).
Does Examplify work on Snapdragon laptops?
Yes, with two conditions. ExamSoft says “ARM Processors are only supported on Windows 11 24H2 and higher using Examplify version 3.10.0 or higher.” Its release notes confirm ARM support from Examplify for Windows 3.10.
Your school may be stricter. Miami Law’s page says “ARM processors are not supported (i.e., Snapdragon)” (checked October 18, 2026). If your program says no ARM, follow your program.
Windows in S mode
It won’t install: “S mode is not compatible with Examplify.” ExamSoft’s guide explains that S mode only allows Microsoft Store apps, and many Microsoft devices, including Surface Pros, ship that way.
To switch out on Windows 11, open Settings > System > Activation and, under Switch to Windows 11 Pro, select Go to the Store. On the “Switch out of S mode” page, click Get. Ignore any “Upgrade your edition of Windows” option, because it doesn’t remove S mode. Microsoft says switching is free and one-way (Microsoft S mode FAQ).
Can you use a Chromebook for ExamSoft?
No. “Examplify will not run on Chromebooks, Android, or Linux operating systems.” Pepperdine’s law tech page says Chromebooks “do not work with ExamSoft Examplify at all” (Pepperdine, April 19, 2023). Turning on Linux inside ChromeOS doesn’t help, since ExamSoft excludes Linux too.
Is ExamSoft compatible with Mac?
Yes. ExamSoft lists macOS Sequoia, Tahoe and Golden Gate, on Intel, A18 or M-series chips. Every Apple-silicon Mac can run Golden Gate, per MacRumors.
Intel Macs are the weak spot. Golden Gate needs Apple silicon. Only four Intel models got Tahoe: the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019), four-port 13-inch MacBook Pro (2020), iMac (2020) and Mac Pro (2019). Apple’s Sequoia list reaches back to the 2018 MacBook Pro and 2020 MacBook Air.
ExamSoft retired macOS Sonoma as of September 30, 2026, per BU Law’s guidelines. Bar takers on a Mac: ExamSoft recommends sitting the exam on the same macOS version as a recent successful mock exam.
Does ExamSoft work on the MacBook Neo?
Yes, according to ExamSoft as of October 2026. Its release notes say Examplify 3.11.2 “formally adds support for the MacBook Neo on versions 3.11.2 (changed from 3.11.0) and 3.10.0.” Its requirements page lists “A18” among supported Mac chips, and the Neo uses Apple’s A18 Pro. The release note doesn’t name 3.11.7, the US bar build, so for the bar the Neo isn’t confirmed.
The confusion comes from schools. On March 23, 2026, UTHSC told students not to use the Neo with Examplify until certification was finished. On October 18, 2026, UC Irvine Law’s FAQ still said “any Macbook running an A processor (i.e. Macbook Neo) will not run Examplify.”
If you own a Neo, check your program’s current page. If it still says no, email the program, point to ExamSoft’s A18 listing, and plan on another laptop until it answers in writing. The Neo’s 8 GB can’t be upgraded; it meets ExamSoft’s 8 GB recommendation for monitored exams, with nothing spare.
Does Examplify work on iPad?
There’s an Examplify iPad app, but your program decides whether you can use it. As of October 2026, ExamSoft supports iPadOS 18 and 26 on app version 5.4.1, which it says is retiring in October 2026. iPadOS 18 is retiring pending iPadOS 27 certification, and iPadOS 27 will need version 5.6.
Plenty of programs won’t accept an iPad, and ExamSoft’s bar exam page lists tablets and iPads as not supported. Bowling Green State’s DPT program says “An iPad cannot be considered a laptop computer.”
Can I use a Surface Pro or Surface Laptop?
Usually, if your school allows ARM. The Surface Pro is the only tablet ExamSoft supports. As of October 2026, the consumer Surface Pro 12th Edition and Surface Laptop 8th Edition sold in the US use Snapdragon X2 chips, so ARM rules apply. The Surface Pro needs its keyboard (sold separately), and it’s out for bar exams, where ExamSoft supports no tablets.
Examplify system requirements: Windows vs Mac vs iPad
Programs can add to this list, but not loosen it.
| Requirement | Windows | Mac | iPad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 11: 24H2, 25H2 or 26H2 | macOS Sequoia, Tahoe or Golden Gate | iPadOS 18 or 26 |
| Examplify version | 3.12.0, 3.10.0; 3.11.7 for US bar | 3.12.0, 3.10.0; 3.11.7 for US bar | 5.4.1 (retiring Oct 2026) |
| Processor | x86, or ARM on those builds with 3.10.0+ | Intel, A18 or M series | Not stated |
| Memory | 4 GB usable; 8 GB recommended with ExamID/ExamMonitor | 4 GB; 8 GB recommended with ExamID/ExamMonitor | Not stated |
| Free storage | 4 GB | 4 GB | 500 MB; 2 GB with ExamID/ExamMonitor |
| Screen | 1280 x 768 or more, 100% scaling | 1280 x 768 or more, 100% scaling | Not stated |
| Account | Administrator | Administrator | Not stated |
| Other rules | No S mode, Secure Boot on, genuine Windows, English (US) language pack | Genuine macOS, no server versions | Not jailbroken |
| Monitored exams | Webcam (no virtual cameras), microphone (not a headset), 2.5 Mbps upload | Same as Windows | 2.5 Mbps upload |
Source: ExamSoft minimum system requirements, checked October 18, 2026. The page has no last-updated date; re-check it before you buy or update.
How to check your own laptop in 2 minutes
On Windows:
- Version. Press Windows + R, type
winverand click OK. It should say Version 24H2, 25H2 or 26H2 (Pureinfotech). - Processor, RAM and 64-bit. Open Settings > System > About and look under Device specifications (Microsoft). A processor starting with “Snapdragon” is ARM.
- S mode. Open Settings > System > Activation. If the edition ends in “S mode”, switch out as above.
- Secure Boot. Type
msinfo32in Start. In System Summary, Secure Boot State should say On. “Off” means it’s disabled in your firmware settings; “Unsupported” means no Secure Boot support or a legacy BIOS install (ElevenForum). - Scaling. Open Settings > System > Display and set Scale to 100% under Scale & layout (Pureinfotech). ExamSoft asks for 100% “to avoid wrapping issues” (ExamSoft).
- Admin account. Settings > Accounts > Your info should say Administrator (Geek Rewind). If not, an administrator can change your account type (ExamSoft).
- Language pack. In Settings > Time & language > Language & region, English (United States) should be under Preferred languages. If not, click Add a language and install it (Dell).
On a Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > About to see the chip and macOS version (ExamSoft). For admin rights, open System Settings > Users & Groups, click the info icon next to your account and turn on “Allow this user to administer this computer” (ExamSoft).
Prefer to click through it? Our Will it run? checker asks the same questions.
Why can’t Examplify be installed on my computer?
Usually one of the checks above failed. Here’s what the common messages mean.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| “does not meet minimum system requirements” | An unlisted Windows version, S mode or an old macOS. SUNY Broome also saw it on new laptops with an outdated Examplify download | Update the OS, or uninstall Examplify and download the current version |
| The installer won’t run outside the Microsoft Store | S mode | Switch out of S mode |
| A prompt to install Microsoft Visual C++ components, or a missing Msvcr100.dll | Windows lacks a runtime Examplify needs | Connect to the internet and select Install, then Yes; if Examplify still won’t start, call ExamSoft |
| “Invalid System Configuration” | South Dakota’s help desk blames Windows’ Memory integrity setting | Ask your program first; that help desk says to turn it off in Windows Security, then restart |
| A virtual machine (VM) error | ExamSoft’s guide doesn’t explain it; VMs aren’t allowed | Don’t use a VM; call ExamSoft support, which can check remotely |
| A prompt for an admin password you don’t have | Standard account, or a laptop managed by an employer | Use an administrator account, or ask whoever manages the laptop |
Sources: SUNY Broome help desk (modified April 3, 2026); ExamSoft Visual C++ and DLL errors (updated October 25, 2024); University of South Dakota help desk (modified May 29, 2026); ExamSoft troubleshooting guide. All read October 18, 2026.
Go carefully with memory integrity. South Dakota’s article dates from 2022, and ExamSoft’s requirements page doesn’t mention the setting, so ask before changing it. BU Law’s guidelines list ExamSoft support at 866-429-8889, weekdays 8:30 to 5:30 Eastern.
If your laptop fails: the cheapest ones that pass
These are the cheapest picks from our best laptop for ExamSoft guide, checked October 18, 2026 (the Slim 3 on October 22). The guide has more.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15 (15ARP10) had 16 GB for under $600 on sale at Best Buy, and Lenovo lists Windows 11 Home for this model. Some versions of this family ship in S mode, so check the listing.
The Dell 15 (D15261) is $699.99 on dell.com with Windows 11 Home and 8 GB. That meets ExamSoft’s 8 GB recommendation for monitored exams; 16 GB costs $200 more.
The MacBook Neo is $699, or $599 with education pricing on apple.com. Buy it only if your program’s list includes it.
FAQ
Should I update Windows or macOS before an exam?
Only to a version ExamSoft lists. Miami Law tells students to turn off auto-update and wait until Exam4 and ExamSoft add new versions to their requirements pages. As of October 18, 2026, that’s Windows 11 24H2, 25H2 or 26H2, and macOS Sequoia, Tahoe or Golden Gate.
Can I run Examplify in Parallels or another virtual machine?
No. ExamSoft says using Examplify in a virtual environment violates its EULA. Use Examplify for Mac directly instead of a Windows VM.
Does Examplify work with a touchscreen or stylus?
No. “Examplify does not support touchscreen input on Mac or Windows laptops.” The laptop can have a touchscreen; you just type your answers.
Can I use my work laptop for Examplify?
Only if you have an administrator account on it, because ExamSoft requires one. An employer-managed laptop may not give you one, and ExamSoft may ask for passwords, including BitLocker keys, when troubleshooting.
What to do next
- Run the seven Windows checks (or the two Mac checks) today.
- Open your program’s tech page and note its date. If it disagrees with ExamSoft, follow the stricter rule and email the program.
- Install Examplify early and take the mock exam as soon as it opens.
- Hold OS upgrades until ExamSoft lists the new version.
- If it fails, see the picks in our best laptop for ExamSoft guide, or a program guide: best laptop for PA school, nursing school laptop requirements, bar exam laptop requirements or best laptop for the bar exam. WGU proctors exams with Meazure Learning instead of Examplify and bans Windows on Arm; see our best laptop for WGU.
Sources
- ExamSoft: Examplify minimum system requirements (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: Legacy Upcoming Features Releases (updated October 13, 2026) (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: bar exam system requirements (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: Set up your Microsoft Surface Pro (S mode), updated October 25, 2024 (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: Update your device to meet MSRs, updated May 28, 2025 (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: Add admin rights in Windows 10 or 11, updated May 1, 2025 (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: Find system information about your Mac, updated September 25, 2023 (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: macOS, add administrator rights, updated September 29, 2025 (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: Visual C++ and DLL errors during installation, updated October 25, 2024 (read October 18, 2026)
- ExamSoft: Exam troubleshooting guide, February 21, 2025 (read October 18, 2026)
- UTHSC: Examplify and MacBook Neo important notice, March 23, 2026 (read October 18, 2026)
- UC Irvine Law: ExamSoft Examplify FAQ from students (read October 18, 2026)
- Miami Law: computer requirements (page metadata October 6, 2026) (read October 18, 2026)
- Pepperdine Caruso Law: law school computer recommendations, April 19, 2023 (read October 18, 2026)
- Boston University Law: ExamSoft user guidelines, Fall 2026 (dated October 2, 2026) (read October 18, 2026)
- BGSU DPT: technology requirements and recommendations (read October 18, 2026)
- SUNY Broome: Examsoft and Examplify troubleshooting (modified April 3, 2026) (read October 18, 2026)
- University of South Dakota: Invalid System Configuration error with Examplify (modified May 29, 2026) (read October 18, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 11 Home and Pro lifecycle (read October 18, 2026)
- Microsoft: find information about your Windows device (read October 18, 2026)
- Microsoft: Windows 10 and Windows 11 in S mode FAQ (read October 18, 2026)
- Microsoft: end of support for Windows 10 (read October 18, 2026)
- Apple: macOS Sequoia is compatible with these computers (read October 18, 2026)
- MacRumors: Macs compatible with macOS Golden Gate, June 8, 2026 (read October 18, 2026)
- MacRumors: MacBook Neo 8 GB RAM, March 4, 2026 (via research notes)
- Pureinfotech: check if Windows 11 24H2 is installed (updated September 2, 2025) (read October 18, 2026)
- Pureinfotech: change scale settings on Windows 11 (July 29, 2024) (read October 18, 2026)
- ElevenForum: check if Secure Boot is enabled in Windows 11 (updated August 31, 2026) (read October 18, 2026)
- Geek Rewind: how to identify your Windows 11 account type (updated October 14, 2026) (read October 18, 2026)
- Dell: how to change the operating system language in Windows 11 (modified May 15, 2026) (read October 18, 2026)
- Lenovo PSREF: IdeaPad Slim 3 15ARP10, model 83K700TUUS and Best Buy listing, SKU 6674708 (via shortlist, read October 22, 2026); Dell 15 on dell.com and MacBook Neo on apple.com (via shortlist, read October 18, 2026)