Time’s Up for Outdated PCs: Windows 11 24H2 Has New Hardware Rules. Are You Ready?

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If you’re still using an older PC whether it’s running Windows 10 or an earlier version of Windows 11 it’s time to act. Microsoft will end support for Windows 11 version 23H2 (Home and Pro editions) on November 11, 2025. That’s just around the corner. Even more pressing: the next version, Windows 11 24H2, introduces new hardware requirements that many older systems can’t meet even if they’re already running Windows 11 today.

At CDML, we’re helping businesses like yours prepare now before support runs out and downtime hits hard.

🧱 Why This Is Urgent

Many users believe that if their PC runs Windows 11, they’re safe. But that’s no longer true. Microsoft’s 24H2 release requires newer hardware instruction sets like SSE4.2 and POPCNT and older CPUs (especially pre-11th Gen) might not qualify.

So even if your device is up to date today, it could be blocked from future updates in just a few months.

And if you’re still running Windows 10, you’re facing an even earlier deadline:
🕓 October 14, 2025, when all Windows 10 support ends.

🧠 What’s New with Windows 11 24H2?

Windows 11 24H2 won’t run on just any PC. To install or upgrade, your system must meet these strict hardware requirements:

• Processor: Intel 8th Gen or newer, AMD Zen+ or newer
  → Must support SSE4.2 and POPCNT instruction sets
• TPM: Version 2.0
• Boot Mode: UEFI with Secure Boot enabled
• RAM: 4 GB or more
• Storage: 64 GB or more
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: 9” or larger with 720p resolution

💡 Even if you’re running Windows 11 now, if your CPU doesn’t support SSE4.2 and POPCNT, 24H2 will not install or boot.

🔍 How to Check If You’re at Risk

✅ Step 1: What version of Windows am I running?

• Press Windows + R, type winver, press Enter
• You’ll see something like:
  • Windows 11 Version 22H2 or 23H2
  • Or Windows 10 Version 22H2

✅ Step 2: What processor do I have?

• Press Windows + X and select System
• Under Device specifications, find Processor

If your processor is older than 11th Gen, read on.

✅ Step 3: Does my CPU support SSE4.2 and POPCNT?

You can check using free tools:

Option A: CPU-Z

1. Download: https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html
2. Look under “Instructions” for SSE4.2 and POPCNT

Option B: Coreinfo

1. Download: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/coreinfo
2. Run this command from an admin Command Prompt: coreinfo.exe | findstr /i “sse4_2 popcnt”
   * means supported.
   – means not supported.

If your CPU doesn’t support both, you will not be able to upgrade to 24H2.

🚫 What Should You Do?

🔄 If You’re Running Windows 11 on an Older PC:

If your system uses an Intel 8th, 9th, or 10th Gen processor, it may be unsupported for 24H2 even if it’s working fine today. If it fails the new checks, your updates stop after November 11, 2025.

👉 Recommendation: Don’t take the risk. Plan to replace the machine before the deadline.

⛔ If You’re Still on Windows 10:

You’ve got less time. All support ends October 14, 2025, and Windows 10 cannot upgrade to 11 unless your system meets strict hardware requirements.

👉 Recommendation: Skip the upgrade and buy a new PC. Trying to patch together a workaround now may leave you exposed and non-compliant.

🛠️ How CDML Simplifies This for You

We know your time is valuable. At CDML, we help businesses stay ahead of support deadlines and avoid emergency replacements. Our services include:

• Hardware audits to detect at-risk devices
• Compatibility testing for 24H2 instruction sets
• Data backup and secure migration to new PCs
• Software reinstallation, user setup, and post-upgrade support
• Compliance-ready documentation and guidance

We keep your business productive and protected without the headaches.

 

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 23H2 support ends November 11, 2025 and Windows 10 ends even earlier, on October 14, 2025. The next version of Windows 11 (24H2) introduces tighter hardware requirements that could render your current system obsolete.

The safest move? If your PC isn’t ready for 24H2, start planning for a replacement now.

Let CDML help you transition smoothly before it becomes a crisis.

Stay safe. Stay informed.

📞 Contact us here: https://cdml.com/contact/
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