Since its launch, Windows 11 has been plagued with compatibility issues due to its high specs that rule out many PCs. But now even more will be left out in the cold thanks to a new update.
The upcoming version 24H2 update, which has been rumored launching in September 2024, will no longer boot on computers using very old processors; specifically the kind that doesn’t support the POPCNT (population count) instruction, according to Twitter/X user Bob Pony.
Many of the system files require the POPCNT CPU instruction from the Windows 11 kernel to the USB
POPCNT was made standard in CPUs in the mid-2000s, starting with AMD’s Barcelona architecture, followed by Intel’s first generation Core i-series processors. This means that PCs manufactured within the last 15 years should not be affected by this new Windows 11 requirement. It should also not affect modern PCs that are not supported by the operating system, so those who managed to find a solution should still be able to run Windows after the update.
Windows 11 support could be a better option
As user-unfriendly as this new update will be for people with PCs with old processors, from Microsoft’s point of view it makes sense to force users to use Windows 11 on newer machines. The 24H2 update will bring some massive changes that will be heavily focused on next-generation AI experiences, as well as several performance and security updates and new features.
To ensure that all these new features actually work as planned with the operating system, the tech giant needs to make sure the specs are in place to run them – especially as it expands support for Microsoft Copilot, which should enhance Windows features improve. interface and increase productivity across apps, search and more.
And as off-putting as the growing emphasis on Copilot and other AI features and tools may be, Microsoft certainly is only aimed at updating Windows 11 and doesn’t appear to be moving to an entirely new operating system, Windows 12. While tempting, such a move could fracture an already highly divided user base that overwhelmingly still supports Windows 10.