Windows 11 24H2 Update to Introduce SSE4.2 Hardware Requirement

Microsoft’s forthcoming Windows 11 24H2 update is anticipated to introduce a new hardware requirement centered around SSE4.2 (Streaming SIMD Extensions 4.2), a crucial component for modern processors. 

This update, expected to be accompanied by build 26080, will only boot on CPUs that support this instruction set.

New Hardware Requirement: 

The information regarding the SSE4.2 requirement for Windows 11 24H2 comes from Bob Pony on X (formerly known as Twitter). 

This requirement follows earlier reports in February, stating that CPUs lacking support for the POPCNT instruction were no longer compatible with Windows 11. 

The updated requirement now mandates support for the entire SSE 4.2 instruction set, expanding on the previous criteria.

Implications for Users: 

These newly discovered changes exceed the initial eligibility criteria for installing or updating to Windows 11, which included requirements such as Secure Boot, TPM support, and a Kaby Lake or newer CPU. 

The addition of SSE 4.2 compatibility may pose challenges for users with older hardware, potentially making it tougher to run the latest version of Windows 11.

Focus on Performance and Compatibility: 

While Microsoft’s move aims to streamline performance and ensure compatibility with newer hardware architectures, it may pose obstacles for users with aging hardware. 

However, those with compatible hardware should not be affected by the stricter requirements outlined in the hardware compatibility list for Windows 11.

Expectations for Windows 11 24H2: 

With the release of Windows 11 24H2 later this fall, Microsoft is expected to prioritize AI integration. 

With advancements in chips featuring integrated Neural Processing Units (NPU) from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, features like Copilot in Windows 11 24H2 are anticipated to bring significant improvements. 

Additionally, users can anticipate new gaming features such as “Super Resolution,” voice clarity support, a revamped energy-saver mode, and various design changes.