---
title: System requirements for Optimizely
slug: cms-12/docs/system-requirements-for-optimizely
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-08-10T15:55:59.000Z
---

Optimizely Content Management System (CMS) requires a reliable and supported environment to run effectively. The following system requirements outline the operating systems, databases, browsers, development tools, and product-specific considerations needed to install, develop, and operate CMS. Learn more about how to [Upgrade to Optimizely Content Management System (CMS 12)](docId:2t2imrIhyIvztq7aUuSPc)

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note**
These system requirements are the latest and apply to versions higher than 7.5 of Optimizely Content Management System (CMS).  See requirements and deviations below for product and service-specific requirements.  See also [Upgrade to Optimizely Content Management System (CMS 12)](docId:2t2imrIhyIvztq7aUuSPc) and [Five, Six, Seven, (Eight) - Out With the Old, In With the New .NET](https://world.optimizely.com/blogs/Magnus-Rahl/Dates/2022/10/five-six-seven-eight---out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new--net/?_gl=1*ynhne6*_gcl_au*MzM4MjA5MjQ3LjE3NjIyNTEwMDE.*_ga*MjAxMDg5NDg0MC4xNzM3ODgxNTEw*_ga_C7SLJ6HMJ5*czE3NjQ1OTQwNzckbzQzOSRnMCR0MTc2NDU5NDA3OCRqNTkkbDAkaDQ1NzcxNDA3OQ..) by Magnus Rahl.
:::

## Server requirements

### Operating system

Any of the following:

- Linux
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (End of support January 2024; extended support offered by Microsoft until January 2029)
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (End of support January 2022; extended support offered by Microsoft until January 2027)
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until October 2023)
- All service packs are supported.

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**Note**
From CMS 12, Windows Server 2012 is no longer supported.
:::

### Web server

Any ASP.NET Core compatible hosting option.

### Database

Any of the following:

- Microsoft Azure SQL
- Microsoft SQL Server 2022
- Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (End of support February 2025; extended support offered by Microsoft until January 2030)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (End of support October 2022; extended support offered by Microsoft until October 2027)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2016 (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until July 2026)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2014 (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until July 2024)

All service packs are supported.

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**Note**
From update 163, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 is no longer supported.
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### Other requirements

- Microsoft ASP.NET Core (.NET 8)

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**Note**
In a production environment, an instance bound license is required for cloud-based solutions. For non-cloud environments, a permanent IP or MAC address is required.
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## Client requirements for editing

- Google Chrome browser, latest

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note**
Due to fast release cycles, Optimizely supports only the two latest versions of Google Chrome.
:::

## Client requirements for browsing

- **Browser for viewing** – The supported web browsers depend on the implementation. Most standard web browsers are generally supported.

## Development and demonstration environment operating system

Any of the following:

- Linux
- Mac OS
- Microsoft Windows 11
- Microsoft Windows 10
- Microsoft Windows 8.1 (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until January 2023)
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019 (End of support January 2024; extended support offered by Microsoft until January 2029)
- Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (End of support January 2022; extended support offered by Microsoft until January 2027)
- Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until October 2023)

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note**
From CMS 12, Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 are no longer supported.
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## Development tool

- ASP.NET Core SDK
- A compatible code editor / IDE

:::hint{type="info"}
* **Notes**
  The *Episerver Visual Studio* integration installation requires IIS Express (included with VS 2015 and higher, can also be installed using Web Platform Installer).
* You should always install the latest updates for Visual Studio.
* Visual Studio 2019 version 16.8 or higher is required for developing ASP.NET Core applications.
:::

## Database

Any of the following:

- Microsoft Azure SQL
- Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (End of support February 2025; extended support offered by Microsoft until January 2030)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (End of support October 2022; extended support offered by Microsoft until October 2027)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2016 (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until July 2026)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2014 (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until July 2024)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until July 2022)
- Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express (End of support; extended support offered by Microsoft until July 2022)

:::hint{type="info"}
* **Notes**
  The *Episerver Visual Studio* integration installation requires SQL Server Express (included with VS 2015 and 0 higher, and can also be installed using Web Platform Installer).
* From update 163, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 is no longer supported.
:::

## Product-specific requirements and deviations

### Optimizely Digital Experience Platform (DXP)

See [Requirements](docId\:EbFCNo6K0wQHK--V4b_tz) for Optimizely DXP.

### Optimizely Forms

Optimizely Forms is only supported by MVC-based websites and HTML5-compliant browsers.