Microsoft is reportedly planning to block the installation of an unreleased Windows 11 version, specifically 24H2, on machines with older processors. This new gate will add to the existing hardware and firmware requirements already tied to Windows 11 setup, according to reports from the Neowin portal.
Researcher Bob Pony has noted a fresh minimum processor capability: support for the POPCNT instruction, which counts the number of set bits in a binary value. He asserts that POPCNT appears in multiple Windows 11 24H2 system files, and without this feature the operating system may fail to boot on affected hardware.
The outcome will be problematic for owners of older computers that do not include POPCNT support. In particular, devices powered by AMD Turion II or Intel Core 2 Duo processors released before 2008 could face compatibility issues when attempting to install or run the upcoming update.
When Windows 11 first launched, Microsoft added TPM 2.0 as part of the installation requirements. The company has advised users to consider upgrading to newer devices or machines that come with Windows 11 pre-installed if their current hardware does not meet the criteria. Nevertheless, hobbyists and corners of the enthusiast community have found workarounds to bypass certain restrictions.
The next major Windows 11 update, 24H2, is slated for release later this fall.
Earlier discussions online mentioned methods that could weaken security or enable unauthorized access to Windows, underscoring the ongoing tension between legacy hardware support and modern protection standards. The evolving hardware requirements reflect Microsoft’s push toward stronger baseline security and reliable system optimization for future updates, even as some users debate the practicality of upgrading older machines. (Attribution: Neowin and related coverage)