The latest development from NVIDIA is creating significant waves in the Windows community, particularly for users of Windows 10 and 11. As part of its ongoing updates, NVIDIA has announced that it will no longer support processors that do not include the POPCNT instruction set starting from Release 555 of its display drivers. This change has serious implications, as PCs that lack this instruction may experience frequent Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors upon installation of the new driver.
Overview of the POPCNT Issue
The POPCNT instruction, a part of the x86 instruction set, has been around for approximately 16 years, suggesting that most modern processors should be equipped with it. However, its recent elevation to a requirement has caused concern among older hardware users, particularly those still operating on Windows 10 or Windows 11 with CPUs that predate the inclusion of this instruction. With the announcement of Windows 11's upcoming version update (24H2), Microsoft has hinted that support for older CPUs will become more restrictive. Unlike previous Windows updates, the 24H2 release will enforce stricter hardware requirements, preventing installation on systems that do not support the POPCNT instruction. This has prompted NVIDIA’s move to also enforce this restriction with their driver updates moving forward.What Happens With Driver Version 555?
According to NVIDIA, the latest driver version 555 will install without issue; however, once the user restarts their PC, the system will check for the presence of the POPCNT instruction. If the CPU lacks this feature, users will be met with immediate BSOD errors, effectively locking them out of their systems until the problem is resolved. To prevent getting locked out, users need to avoid the installation of driver version 555 or higher if their CPU does not support POPCNT. If the driver is already installed and the system fails to start, recovery steps include utilizing the recovery environment to remove the offending driver or possibly reinstalling Windows with an older driver version still compatible with their hardware.How to Check for POPCNT Support
NVIDIA has recommended using Coreinfo, a command-line tool, to check for the POPCNT instruction. Users can also explore alternatives, such as CPU-Z or WhyNotWinAI, or consult the official Intel or AMD processor specifications to verify compatibility. However, it is worth noting that there have been reports of Coreinfo failing to run correctly for some users, which adds another layer of frustration for those impacted.The Shifting Landscape of Windows Support
Microsoft’s increasing insistence on modern hardware specifications aligns with a broader trend of pushing users towards more current technologies. As such, the announcement of POPCNT support being obligatory for the upcoming Windows 11 update resonates with the overall trajectory of Windows 10 and Windows 11’s evolution. Past operating system installations faced challenges due to hardware checks, but Microsoft's stance has become tougher with this new version. This shift in requirements, particularly regarding critical instructions like POPCNT, signifies the company’s intention to phase out older hardware that cannot support new features, especially as AI integration grows in scope and importance in upcoming updates, such as the integration of Copilot.Implications for Windows Users
For Windows users, particularly those utilizing NVIDIA graphics cards, the implications of this change are significant:- Older Hardware Limitations: Users of older CPUs, particularly those without POPCNT, will need to remain on older versions of Windows 11 (like 21H2, 22H2, and 23H2) if they wish to avoid this compatibility issue.
- Impact on Updates: Users who update to driver version 555 or later without verifying their CPU’s capabilities will face BSOD ultimately leading to system recovery processes, which can be complex and time-consuming.
- Future-proofing: This trend in driver and OS updates serves as a reminder for users to modernize their hardware to keep up with rapidly evolving software demands. Gamers and professionals will need to ensure their systems are adequately equipped to handle these updates to prevent downtimes due to hardware incompatibility.
Conclusion
NVIDIA's recent decisions illustrate the evolving landscape of operating systems and hardware compatibility. With Windows 11's impending 24H2 update leading the charge for newer standards, users must stay informed and proactive about their hardware configurations. As the technology landscape continues to shift, it is imperative for users to adapt to ensure smooth operation and to avoid disruptions caused by increasingly stringent hardware requirements. In summary, users of Windows 10 and Windows 11 utilizing NVIDIA GPUs and those operating older CPUs should particularly take caution with upcoming driver updates and Windows version changes. The goal should be to maintain system functionality while avoiding the complexities that accompany hardware-incompatibility errors like BSODs. For further details and developments regarding this topic, refer to the original article on Windows Latest: NVIDIA driver loses POPCNT support, causing BSODs on Windows 10, 11.
