The Windows 11 24H2 update does not work on PCs with a CPU without a POPCNT instruction. This will only be a problem on PCs that are fifteen years old or older.

For the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft is further tightening the hardware requirements for PCs. Referred to as X user Bob Pony A preview build noted that the PC CPU must now include the POPCNT instruction. If this is not the case, the PC simply cannot boot after installation.

Count bits

The impact of this measure will remain relatively limited and will primarily affect old PCs. The POPCNT instruction has been built into PC processors from Intel and AMD as standard since 2008. So if your PC is less than fifteen years old, you don’t have to worry about it. Microsoft is therefore only focusing on PCs that were actually excluded from Windows 11 anyway. POPCNT “counts” the number of 1-bits in binary sequences.

By making POPCNT mandatory, Microsoft closes any remaining gaps in installing and running Windows 11 on non-compatible PCs. A PC with a CPU without POPCNT will simply no longer be able to boot. Microsoft remains steadfast when it comes to system requirements, even if the software giant has to keep its distance. On the one hand, Microsoft is trying every means possible to attract users to Windows 11, but on the other hand it is also excluding many PCs that should technically be able to run the operating system.

Microsoft confirmed last week that Windows 11 24H2 will be released in the fall. This also put an end to the rumors that Windows 12 would come onto the market this year. The update promises to be one of the biggest for Windows 11 yet, with even deeper integration of AI into the operating system.