Microsoft is making waves with the upcoming release of its major Windows 11 update, set to be announced later this year. The update, known as Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 12, promises a host of new features and changes. However, one notable change in this update is the introduction of a new CPU instruction called “Population Count (POPCNT).” This instruction is crucial for Windows 11 to boot properly and creates a potential problem for some PCs, particularly those running on outdated hardware.
Previously reported by PCWorld, a user named Bob Pony discovered the POPCNT requirement in the latest Windows 11 build. This new instruction is essential for various system files, from the Windows 11 kernel to the USB XHCI drivers. Without support for POPCNT, the operating system simply won’t boot.
The POPCNT requirement in Windows 11 24H2 poses a challenge for older PCs with processors that do not support it. Specifically, this affects PCs that are 15 years or more old, running on aging hardware such as Core2Duo and Dual Core processors. However, newer PCs featuring relatively up-to-date processors will not be impacted by this new requirement. Consequently, older PC users may consider upgrading to newer hardware that supports POPCNT.
Interestingly, the introduction of the POPCNT requirement also has implications for cracked versions of Windows 11. While unsupported PCs could previously run a cracked version of Windows 11 without a license, the inclusion of POPCNT at the core level effectively prevents even cracked versions from functioning.
Microsoft’s move to implement the POPCNT requirement in Windows 11 aligns with their strategy to encourage users to embrace the newer operating system. However, the overall adoption of Windows 11 has been relatively slow, currently sitting at a global rate of 27.83% compared to Windows 10’s market share of 66.45%. With this latest change, Microsoft aims to not only prompt people to transition to Windows 11 but also incentivize them to upgrade their PCs with more modern hardware.
Windows 11 CPU Instruction – POPCNT: Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 12 updates introduce a new CPU instruction called “Population Count (POPCNT)”. This instruction is crucial for the proper booting of Windows 11 and is required for various system files, from the kernel to the USB XHCI drivers. Without support for POPCNT, the operating system will not boot.
Impact on Older PCs: The introduction of the POPCNT requirement poses a challenge for older PCs with processors that do not support it. PCs that are 15 years or more old and running on aging hardware like Core2Duo and Dual Core processors are affected. Newer PCs with relatively up-to-date processors will not be impacted, so older PC users may need to consider upgrading to newer hardware that supports POPCNT.
Implications for Cracked Versions of Windows 11: Previously, unsupported PCs could run a cracked version of Windows 11 without a license. However, the inclusion of POPCNT at the core level now prevents even cracked versions from functioning.
Microsoft’s Strategy: Microsoft’s implementation of the POPCNT requirement aligns with their strategy to encourage users to embrace the newer operating system. The adoption of Windows 11 has been relatively slow compared to Windows 10. With this change, Microsoft aims to prompt people to transition to Windows 11 and incentivize them to upgrade their PCs with more modern hardware.
Related Links:
– Microsoft
– PCWorld
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