Windows 11 Update Requires New CPU Instruction
An interesting development has emerged regarding the Windows 11 24H2 update and its hardware requirements. It seems that older PCs may face a significant obstacle when trying to boot up after the update.
The discovery centers around a Twitter user’s claim that PCs from the last decade may no longer be able to boot due to a new CPU instruction requirement.
The POPCNT Instruction
The instruction causing this issue is POPCNT, also known as population count. This instruction is now a mandatory requirement for various system files associated with Windows 11 Version 24H2. From the Windows 11 kernel to the USB XHCI drivers, POPCNT is essential for the system to function properly.
The POPCNT instruction was first introduced in 2008 as part of the Nehalem architecture and was later integrated into Intel’s Core processors, starting with the Sandy Bridge chip in 2011. This means that even older hardware models may already have this instruction built-in.
Implications for Older PCs
If your PC does not support the POPCNT instruction, it may not be able to boot up after the Windows 11 24H2 update. This could potentially impact a significant number of older PCs that lack this specific CPU instruction.
Microsoft has not yet officially commented on this development, but it raises questions about the compatibility of older hardware with the upcoming update. Windows 11 24H2 is expected to launch in the fall, and users with older PCs may need to evaluate their hardware to ensure a smooth transition.
Author
Written by Mark Hachman, Senior Editor at PCWorld, this article provides valuable insights into the evolving hardware requirements of Windows 11 and the implications for older PCs. Mark has a background in Microsoft news and chip technology, offering expert analysis on this topic.
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