Windows 11 24H2: All signs, including the HLK build, point to hardware compatibility changes, but are you ready?

The processors missing PopCnt instruction will not get the upcoming update

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by Srishti Sisodia 

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Windows 11 24H2: All signs, including HLK build, point to hardware compatibility changes

Recently, Microsoft introduced preview build 26085 to fix a lot of issues faced in the previous builds, as well as a new Windows Insider Build for Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) under the same build number.

You can download the build on Microsoft’s official website and the description mentioned on the company’s website:

Install Windows HLK Insider Preview

The latest Windows Hardware Lab Kit (Windows HLK) helps you ensure that the drivers and the system you develop are certified as compatible with Windows 10.

To get the RTM version, visit the Hardware Dev Center HLK download page.

According to a post on Xeno on X (formerly Twitter) and the description mentioned above shows that the HLK is compatible with Windows 10 instead of Windows 11, which is a mistake or a glitch:

In response to the post, Brandon LeBlanc, senior program manager of Microsoft, posted:

After a few hours, he posted a comment mentioning the issue was fixed.

The HLK (Hardware Lab Kit) is a tool used in the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). This test framework helps hardware vendors and Microsoft partners test and make sure that their hardware and drivers are compatible with Windows 10 and 11. Once the devices are compatible, they can get Windows Hardware Quality Labs certification, indicating they meet the quality standards.

When Microsoft released HLK for 23H2 in September 2023, the Redmond tech giant informed that they hadn’t made changes that could affect hardware compatibility from 22H2 to 23H2. Therefore, the WHCP certification was not updated and it kept using the same name for version 23H2.

However, this time, the jump from 23H2 to 24H2 will not be the same, and Microsoft is working on making hardware compatibility changes. Rumor has it that the new version of Windows 11 might not support old processors that are missing PopCnt instructions.

Are you ready for the change? Share your thoughts with our readers in the comments section below.

More about the topics: Windows 11

Srishti Sisodia

Srishti Sisodia Shield

Windows Software Expert

Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs. Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That's why she's part of Windows Report's Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She's also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.

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