Microsoft recently released a major Insider build on the Dev and Canary channels, bringing new features to Windows 11. One significant change introduced in this update is the requirement for the SSE4’s “POPCNT” instruction in the CPU instruction set architecture (ISA) support. This means that older processors without this instruction may no longer be able to run Windows 11 24H2.
While this change may affect users with outdated processors, it does not mean that all modern CPUs are incompatible. An unofficial WinPE tool based on the new build has confirmed that it can still bypass the system requirements check. However, the Setup itself now blocks users from proceeding further and notifies them about the missing “POPCNT” instruction.
Previously, a simple command allowed users to trick the Windows setup into thinking they were using a Server SKU, bypassing the system requirements check. Reports suggested that this command had stopped working, but it still functions. Unfortunately, even with this bypass, old processors without the required instruction still cannot boot into Windows.
This issue is reminiscent of past Windows setups that checked for other instructions like NX bit, PAE, and SSE2. Workarounds were available for those cases, but now Microsoft is enforcing the use of the SSE4’s “POPCNT” instruction.
Moreover, Microsoft is not only updating the CPU ISA support; the company is also updating the Secure Boot keys that have been in use since the Windows 8 era, which serves as an additional security measure.
As Microsoft introduces these changes, Google is also making strides in the market. Google aims to entice owners of unsupported PCs to switch to its ChromeOS Flex as an alternative to Windows 10 and 11.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update brings mandatory requirements for CPU instruction set architecture, particularly the SSE4’s “POPCNT” instruction. While this may cause issues for older processors, bypasses still exist but are ineffective without the necessary instruction. This update aligns with Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing security measures, as seen with the updates to the Secure Boot keys. As new developments unfold, competition from Google’s ChromeOS Flex continues to grow in the market.
FAQs:
1. What is the significant change introduced in the latest Windows 11 update?
The latest Windows 11 update introduces a requirement for the SSE4’s “POPCNT” instruction in the CPU instruction set architecture (ISA) support.
2. What does this change mean for users with older processors?
For users with older processors that do not have the SSE4’s “POPCNT” instruction, they may no longer be able to run Windows 11 24H2.
3. Can all modern CPUs still run Windows 11?
No, not all modern CPUs are affected. An unofficial WinPE tool based on the new build has confirmed that it can bypass the system requirements check. However, the setup now blocks users from proceeding further and notifies them about the missing “POPCNT” instruction.
4. Was there a previous command that allowed users to bypass the system requirements check?
Yes, a previous command allowed users to trick the Windows setup into thinking they were using a Server SKU, bypassing the system requirements check. Reports suggested that this command had stopped working, but it still functions. However, even with this bypass, old processors without the required instruction still cannot boot into Windows.
5. What other instructions in the past have Windows setups checked for?
Past Windows setups have checked for instructions like NX bit, PAE, and SSE2. Workarounds were available for those cases, but now Microsoft is enforcing the use of the SSE4’s “POPCNT” instruction.
6. What other update is Microsoft making apart from the CPU ISA support?
Microsoft is also updating the Secure Boot keys that have been in use since the Windows 8 era, which serves as an additional security measure.
Definitions:
– SSE4’s “POPCNT” instruction: “SSE4” refers to Streaming SIMD Extensions 4, which is a set of instructions that improve the performance of certain operations. “POPCNT” is one of the instructions in SSE4 that provides population count counting the number of bits set to 1 in a binary sequence.
– WinPE: WinPE stands for Windows Preinstallation Environment. It is a lightweight version of Windows that is used for system recovery, deployment, and troubleshooting.
– CPU Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): It refers to the underlying hardware design of the CPU, including the set of instructions that the CPU can execute.
– Secure Boot keys: Secure Boot keys are cryptographic keys used to verify the digital signatures of bootloaders and operating system loaders during the boot process. It helps ensure that only trusted software is loaded, enhancing system security.
Suggested related links:
– Microsoft
– Google
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com