For a deep dive into the expected changes to Windows 11, here's an excellent article sent to me by my trusty source Hankers of the Frozen North. Thanks, buddy. You've inspired me in many ways, and have been a great mentor. I expanded on your tip because of the appearance of subsequent additional important articles quoted here.
The Windows 11's 24H2 Update will require hardware that supports POPCNT (SSE4.2 or SSE4a). I remember predicting in a prior article regarding W12, just this kind of turn of events just as W11 upgrade from W10 had requirements re chip, etc.
From the title, it's clear what that requirement is. If you update to 24H2 without your chip having the required instructions, your computer will crash on boot.
So, how to check if your computer's CPU can handle the 24H2 Update? Neowin published an article dealing with just that, although the gHacks article linked goes through the same explanation.
"Option 1: CPU-Z
Download CPU-Z from the official website, run it, and check the Instruction box. Look for SSE4A if you use an AMD processor and SSE4.2 if you use an old Intel chip.
Option 2: Official websites
Go to Settings > System > About and check the "Processor" box. If you use Intel, go to this website and search for your processor model. See the "Instruction Set Extension" and make sure it mentions SSE4.2.
AMD does not have a single page where you can find specs for every chip the company ever released. Therefore, use third-party websites for CPU tracking, like TechPowerUP. Look for SSE4A in the list of supported instructions or instruction extensions.
Option 3: A simple third-party tool
Enthusiasts have already created apps that can let you run checks and see what specs are missing in your computer. This open-source utility with a witty name, WhyNotWinAI, can show you if your chip supports the POPCNT instruction. You can download it from GitHub for free. Look for the "CPU supports POPCNT instruction" line.
If your computer does not support the necessary instruction, this is the end of the road for you. With that said, we will have to wait for the official Windows 11 24H2 release to see if the change sticks around. Meanwhile, you can learn how to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware using our guide."
- Taras Buria, Neowin
If your computer's CPU does not fulfill the POPCNT demand, I'd strongly advise not doing the update. Of course, we can expect hackers to try to bypass this requirement, but I would not place much faith in assurances (theirs or others) that their hack will work, because this requirement is quoted as being not bypassable.
Have a great weekend, folks. Here's mine...with the required SSE4.2 as my CPU is Intel.
My pc is new enough to run 24h2.. But I am tempted to get a new pc anyways. The AI chipped processor might actually be the future afterall.
It is capable of doing a lot more then just copilot, it is technology that runs AI processes in general. One of the interesting new things Microsoft just announced is ai powered super resolution for games.
I definitely will be watching this tech pretty close... It may actually be a good year to by a new pc even without Microsoft gimmick to sell hardware.
Too many times on the net and in forums, the phrase "It Can Not Be Done" is bandied around
Bob Pony is a recognized Windows expert.
Again: This PopCnt instruction problem (which is not bypassable) affects very old CPUs - 14 years old or more. The vast majority of computers in use today won't have problems updating to 24H2.
I do not doubt your source Doc, but my Dilemma is my source, not just a computer Expert, but an Actual Dev Working For MS, who informs me "All System Files Can Be Edited". Time will tell on this one, like it did with the last big MS screw up that was not liked, and the one before that too.
"Pony's findings confirm that this new instruction is not only required, but it is vital to 24H2's functionality. This is the first major requirement that apparently cannot be bypassed by any means. TPM and Secure Boot can still be bypassed, but not PopCnt." - Tom's Hardware.
SD also is strongly opposed to "edited"/hacked/pirated, etc. software. So again, don't pursue that topic.
Does anyone actually believe that a PC that is over 10 years old is worth salvaging? That seems like a pretty frustrating build to work off of to me.
I agree with you PhoenixRising1, but its like a Sport to those kind of users. You will see posts on Reddit etc.. from peeps just showing how MS changes can be negated. It would be crazy to put 22H4 on a PC as old as the hills, but those peeps like to Prove A Point and always rise to the challenge when they hear "It Can Not Be Done".
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