Good news and a bittersweet twist for seasoned Windows enthusiasts: Acronis, the popular backup and cloning software suite, has officially added compatibility for Windows 11 version 24H2 and includes support for Microsoft's BitLocker encryption out of the box. However, the catch? If you're running an older CPU, particularly without modern SSE4.2 and PopCnt instruction sets, you might find your beloved hardware left in the dust.
Let’s break it all down—from what this means for you as a Windows 11 user, how BitLocker fits into the equation, to why those old Core 2 Duo processors are being shown the door.
Sound off in the comments! Are you upgrading your system for 24H2, or sticking with your trusty old build? Let’s hear your take.
Source: Neowin Acronis backup, cloning app gets Windows 11 24H2 BitLocker support; won't work on old CPUs
Let’s break it all down—from what this means for you as a Windows 11 user, how BitLocker fits into the equation, to why those old Core 2 Duo processors are being shown the door.
What’s New with Acronis Build 41736?
If you’ve trusted Acronis True Image (now rebranded as Cyber Protect Home Office) for safeguarding your data, you’ll be happy to hear it plays nicely with Windows 11’s 2024 feature update, version 24H2. Microsoft officially began rolling out 24H2 earlier this month, with various feature enhancements, including better hardware compatibility for automatic BitLocker encryption. Here’s a quick hit list of everything Acronis has brought to the table in their latest build (41736):- Support for Windows 11 24H2: Smooth compatibility with the newest feature update, including automatic BitLocker enablement.
- Security Fixes: Additional patches to reduce vulnerabilities.
- Improved Error Messaging: If something goes awry, expect clearer descriptions to help you troubleshoot.
- Bug Fixes & Stability Improvements: Various refinements for better reliability.
The BitLocker Auto-Decryption Boom
One of the major reasons Acronis updated its compatibility is the strong focus on BitLocker by Microsoft in Windows 11 24H2. For those unfamiliar, BitLocker is Microsoft’s proprietary full-disk encryption tool, designed to protect data against unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen. This encryption feature now includes automatic enablement on devices with functional TPMs (Trusted Platform Modules) starting with Windows 11 24H2.Why should you care?
- Plug-and-Play Encryption: As long as your hardware meets Microsoft’s automatic encryption standards, backups made using apps like Acronis will dovetail seamlessly with BitLocker-protected drives.
- OEM Flexibility: The new update allows Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to enforce encryption standards automatically, reducing user effort to enable BitLocker manually.
- Recovery Key Importance: Don’t forget—if you’re experimenting with BitLocker, it’s critical to secure your recovery keys to avoid being locked out of your data forever. Microsoft has shared a comprehensive guide on BitLocker key backup and recovery that every user should check out.
The Hardware Catch: CPUs Stuck in The Past
Here’s the rub: although the minimum required processor for Acronis states Core 2 Duo (2GHz) or equivalent, Windows 11 24H2 will slap a hard stop on machines lacking SSE4.2 and related advanced instruction sets. Let’s untangle this a bit.What are SSE4.2 and PopCnt?
- SSE4.2 Instructions (Streaming SIMD Extensions): A set of modern CPU instructions designed to handle multimedia, gaming, and high-performance applications. Think of it as the fast lane for more efficient calculations.
- PopCnt (Population Count Instruction): This instructs the CPU to count the number of set bits (1s) in binary representations, useful for workloads like cryptography.
The Bottom Line for Core 2 Duo Fans
Yes, Acronis lets you install if you meet their "minimum hardware requirements," but it’s essentially a moot point. If your CPU doesn’t support SSE4.2, good luck running Windows 11 24H2! Microsoft’s minimum hardware rules haven’t budged, especially around TPM 2.0 and approved processors. So even if you somehow brute-force install Windows 11, don’t expect it to be smooth sailing—or officially supported by software updates.What Should You Expect Moving Forward?
Microsoft has doubled down on its refusal to relax Windows 11’s stringent hardware demands. While this protects user data by ensuring standards like TPM 2.0 and advanced security instructions are universally enforced, it’s a frustrating hurdle for fans of older but functional hardware. Here’s the high-level outlook:For Modern Users:
- If you’ve upgraded to modern Windows-certified hardware, Acronis’ support for BitLocker and version 24H2 is another win in terms of both backup tools and encryption compatibility.
- Enjoy seamless performance improvements without teetering on the edge of unsupported workarounds.
For Legacy Users:
- If you’re hanging on to older Intel or AMD processors—sorry folks, tech progress marches on. Compromising on your CPU could leave you stuck with unsupported OS versions or force you to jump ship to Linux-based alternatives.
Key Takeaways & What You Can Do Today
Acronis’ latest move reflects the evolving relationship between hardware, software, and security in Windows PCs. Whether you’re an IT administrator managing encrypted drives or a layperson seeking seamless backups, the combination of Windows 11 24H2 and Acronis offers a robust, secure solution—provided you’ve got the hardware chops to run it.For Acronis Users:
- Update Now to take full advantage of the upgraded features in Build 41736—especially if you’re on Windows 11 24H2.
- Ensure Hardware Compatibility if considering a system overhaul. Prioritize CPUs supporting SSE4.2 and TPM 2.0.
For Backup Best Practices:
- Enable BitLocker Unlock on Boot for encrypted drives when using cloning or imaging tools.
- Regularly test backups to ensure that images are not only complete but bootable when restored.
- Safeguard your BitLocker recovery keys! Store them securely in both digital and physical copies.
Food for Thought—What Does The Hardware Cutoff Mean for Windows’ User Base?
At its core, this hardware debate hints at broader industry trends. Microsoft and software vendors like Acronis pushing users toward modern hardware has clear benefits, but it also highlights the issue of planned obsolescence. Are legacy users being forced to upgrade unnecessarily, or is this the price we pay for better security and efficiency?Sound off in the comments! Are you upgrading your system for 24H2, or sticking with your trusty old build? Let’s hear your take.
Source: Neowin Acronis backup, cloning app gets Windows 11 24H2 BitLocker support; won't work on old CPUs