Windows 11 24h2 Update: System/Hardware/CPU/LSTC Requirements

Since its debut, Windows 11 has swiftly become a preferred choice for many users. Its enhanced performance and innovative features have elevated computing experiences. Microsoft's continued development is evident in the anticipated 24H2 update. To get their hands on even more improvements, many users wonder if their systems meet the specific hardware requirements.

EaseUS will review essential checks in this informative article to determine if your PC meets the Windows 11 24H2 system requirements. Before upgrading your system, it will guide you through all the vital details, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Being well-prepared is the key to ensuring your system is equipped for what's next.

Windows 11 24H2 System Requirements (CPU, Hardware)

Only computers that meet the latest OS's hardware specifications are eligible for the update. The fundamental Windows 11 24H2 system requirements are identical to those of the original Windows 11. While there have been some changes for different use cases, the primary needs remain constant.

⭐Related Reading: How to Use PC Health Check App to Check If Your PC Can Run Windows 11

1. General Requirements for Windows 11 24H2

2. Requirements for Copilot+ Computers

Last year, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of its Cortana virtual assistant and replaced it with Microsoft Copilot. The company recently released a new series of powerful personal computers called Copilot PCs. These devices run on the latest Snapdragon X series processors, including powerful neural processing units. Below are the extra Windows 11 24H2 system requirements for this series:

3. Minimum Requirements for Windows 11 24H2 IoT Enterprise LTSC

Designed for embedded systems, this use-case version of Windows 11 is also receiving the latest update. It also has the most changes regarding the minimum system requirements, as Microsoft has lowered them to include more users. However, it is essential to note that preferred minimum requirements stay the same even if optional ones have decreased. The table below summarizes the latest minimal specs for the new update.

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Windows 11 24H2 Expected Features

The new major update to the latest Windows OS is essential for many reasons, with the main being the addition of many new features. With the official introduction of Microsoft Copilot+, many other AI-powered functions and general updates are expected. Summarized below are the latest features that you can expect when trying to meet Windows 11 24H2 system requirements:

1. Windows Recall

It is the most talked about feature of the latest update and can record everything you do on your computer. This background app captures a visual history of your computer usage, making it easy to find anything you've done with a simple search. It can digitally record any on-screen material, such as apps, text, websites, files, and media.

While this app raises deep privacy concerns, Microsoft has ensured that it is 100% secure and that user data won't leave the system. This feature will only be available on devices in the Copilot+ PCs series, as NPU is required for its functionality.

2. Improved File Explorer

Many updates have been made to the famed File Explorer, with the ability to duplicate tabs being the most prominent one. The right-click context menu has also been updated with the copy, cut, and paste feature moving to the top. Moreover, it lets you create 7Z and TAR archive files with added customization options. Other significant changes include the labels in the top menu, metadata support for PNG, etc.

3. Live Captions

Powered by AI, this tool can transcribe audio and video content in real time to translate over 40 languages directly on your device. Live Captions instantly provides accurate captions when watching a live speech or pre-recorded video. Moreover, the feature extends to audio and video calls, making communication more inclusive. Microsoft has conveniently placed the Live Captions button at the top of the Windows 11 Control Centre for easy access.

4. Windows Studio Effects

You can customize your video calls by changing backgrounds, adjusting eye contact, enabling automatic framing, reducing noise, and amplifying your voice. These new Windows Studio Effects offer a range of AI-powered enhancements for your webcam and microphone. As they harness the power of on-device NPUs, they can only be found on the Copilot+ PCs. You can access them on all video calling apps through the Control Center.

5. MS Paint Cocreator

This new feature in Paint allows users to sketch a basic outline and then provide a text prompt. Cocreator will use on-device AI to generate a more detailed and refined image based on the sketch and prompt. It is exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, leveraging the device's NPU for efficient image generation. The Photos app will also gain a built-in AI image generator and a Restyle feature for editing images.

6. Sudo Command

Microsoft has taken a bold step by allowing the use of the familiar "sudo" command from Linux to elevate admin privileges. This will enable users to execute elevated processes directly from the command line. It offers flexibility with options like opening a new window, disabling input, or running inline. For security, the "Sudo for Windows" feature is initially disabled, but users can easily enable it in the Settings app.

7. New Microsoft Copilot App

The app will be a prominent feature in the upcoming update, offering users a versatile and interactive AI experience. Edge powers Copilot and will gain access to OpenAI's advanced GPT-4o model soon. The updated UI includes a dedicated chat area and a sidebar for organizing conversation topics to enhance user interaction. You can also move Copilot anywhere on their screen and share the screen for visual context.

8. Super Resolution and Energy Saver

Leveraging the onboard NPU and AI, this feature enhances the resolution of supported games on Snapdragon X series PCs. It functions like AMD FSR and Nvidia DLSS but leverages the NPU instead of the GPU. While the impact on gameplay remains to be seen, gamers are excited about the new feature.

The upcoming update also includes a new Energy Saver mode, similar to Android's battery saver. This mode extends battery life by optimizing system performance and can be easily toggled on or off from the Quick Settings panel. You can balance battery life and performance on laptops according to your needs.

How to Check If Your PC Can Run Windows 11 24H2

Before you can update, you must check this out because there is a new requirement for your system's CPU supporting SSE4.2 or SSE4A. There are many ways available for you to confirm if you meet all the Windows 11 24H2 system requirements. Discussed below are the most commonly used three ways you can do this without a hitch:

Way 1. Use CPU-Z

This popular freeware tool provides detailed information about your system's processor, including model, speed, and compatibility. CPU-Z is an excellent first step to verify if your CPU meets the Windows 11 24H2 requirements. It provides a more detailed and thorough analysis of hardware components than the tools built into Windows. Utilize the steps given below to check out if your computer verifies Windows 11 24H2 system requirements:

Step 1. Begin by accessing the tool's official website to download and install it on the system you want to update to Windows 11. Now, launch it and access the "CPU" tab from the main interface to view all related information.

Step 2. Here, move to the "Instructions" category and look for SSE4.2 or SSE4A, depending on which processor you are using. If you find one of these in this box, you can update your computer to Windows 11 24H2.

Way 2. Visit the CPU Official Website

Another reliable method to verify your processor's compatibility is by visiting the official website of your CPU manufacturer, such as Intel or AMD. These websites typically offer detailed specifications and compatibility information for each processor model. While Intel offers a website for all its processors, you will need third-party websites for AMD. To check the eligibility of your PC's CPU for Windows 11 24H2 system requirements, follow these steps:

Step 1. On your Windows computer, access Settings with the help of the "Win + I" keys and move to the "System" tab. Here, select the "About" option from the left-hand panel and find the processor's info in "Device Specifications."

Step 2. Now, access a web browser to search for your processor and open the official link to get its complete info. For an Intel processor, move to the "Advanced Technologies" tab to look for "Instruction Set Extensions." Here, you will find out if your PC supports SSE4.2 and can be updated or not.

Way 3. Go to WhyNotWinAI

As a replacement tool for Windows' original PC Health Check, it is a third-party utility specifically designed to check your PC's compatibility with Windows 11. WhyNotWinAI is open source and available for free on GitHub, and it is continually updated with the latest Windows updates. You can use this app to conduct a comprehensive system analysis to identify if your system supports POPCNT (SSE4.2) instruction using this guide:

Step 1. Find the WhyNotWinAI repository on GitHub and select "Releases" from the right side to move to "Assets." Here, download the ZIP file tool and extract and install it on your computer to open the tool.

Step 2. As the app gets launched, click "Check Compatibility" to determine if your PC's processor supports SSE4.2 or SSE4A. The tool will inform you in detail of what parts are causing the ineligibility to meet the Windows 11 24H2 system requirements.

If your PC can't run Windows 11 24H2, you can refer to this tutorial to see what you can do:

Conclusion

As the latest OS update approaches, ensuring your PC is ready to take full advantage by meeting the Windows 11 24H2 system requirements is important. This article has outlined the minimum specs necessary for the update, ranging from processor and RAM to TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. We also explored the exciting new features expected in this update, from Windows Recall to AI-powered improvements and improved File Explorer.

We have provided three effective methods to help you determine if your PC can run Windows 11 24H2. These include employing CPU-Z, checking your CPU's compatibility on the manufacturer's website, and utilizing the WhyNotWin11 tool. Following these methods can verify your system's readiness and avoid any potential issues during the upgrade process.

FAQs About Windows 11 24h2 Update Requirements

You might still have more questions about this upcoming update, ranging from its release to performance risks. Compiled below are answers to some FAQs about Windows 11 24H2 system requirements to provide further clarity:

1. What are the system requirements for Windows 11 24H2 LTSC?

In most cases, they are similar to the specifications for the updates of the standard version. However, LTSC versions are designed for enterprise environments with extended support cycles. The requirements for the IoT Enterprise LTSC version have been lowered to 2GB RAM and 16GB storage with optional TPM and Secure Boot.

2. Should I upgrade to Windows 11 24H2?

Upgrading to the latest OS versions is always recommended if your PC meets the basic requirements. This update brings numerous enhancements, including improved customization, performance optimizations, and new AI features that enhance productivity and security. While you should wait for a while to explore if the update is buggy, it is a good idea to update your system in general.

3. What is the release date of the Windows 11 24H2 update?

Unlike the previous updates, this one is being rolled out in two stages for new and old users. The newly released Copilot+ PCs series in May 2024 already has the Windows 11 24H2 update installed and running. As for general users, it is expected in the 2nd half of 2024, with September and October being touted as the likely months.