Discover the essential Windows 11 24H2 System Requirements, including supported processors, RAM, storage, and features needed to run the latest AI-driven OS version smoothly. As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, the upcoming 24H2 update introduces exciting new features, primarily driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and system performance enhancements. For users eager to upgrade, ensuring that their system meets the updated requirements is essential for a smooth experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the minimum and recommended system requirements for Windows 11 24H2, including what you need to know about AI-driven enhancements, hardware compatibility, and tips to optimize your device for the update.
Learn about how to Download Windows 11 24H2 : click here
What’s New in Windows 11 24H2?
Before diving into system requirements, let’s highlight some of the key features introduced in the 24H2 update:
- Enhanced AI Integration: Windows 11 24H2 introduces a more robust AI ecosystem, featuring improvements in Microsoft Copilot, which is designed to make everyday tasks easier through AI-assisted recommendations and automation.
- Better Multi-Tasking and User Experience: The update brings advancements in multitasking, window management, and overall system responsiveness, making it easier for users to switch between tasks without lag.
- Improved Security: Security has always been a major focus of Windows 11, and the 24H2 update reinforces this with more stringent requirements for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capabilities. Additionally, Windows Defender has been bolstered with advanced threat protection features to safeguard users from evolving cybersecurity threats.
- Energy Efficiency and Performance: The latest update ensures that Windows 11 runs smoothly even on less powerful devices, thanks to better resource management. This focus on efficiency translates to extended battery life on portable devices.
- Expanded Support for ARM Devices: The Windows 11 24H2 update also expands its support for ARM architecture, particularly with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, making it a viable option for energy-efficient laptops and mobile devices.
Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11 24H2
Ensuring that your system meets the minimum system requirements is crucial for the update to function without issues. The basic requirements for Windows 11 24H2 are largely in line with the original Windows 11 release, but with a few key updates:
- Processor:
- Minimum: 1GHz or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).Supported Processors: Intel 8th Gen or newer, AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer, and Qualcomm Snapdragon models.
- Memory (RAM):
- Minimum: 4GBHowever, for optimal performance, particularly with AI features, it’s recommended to have at least 8GB or more, especially on systems running advanced applications.
- Storage:
- Minimum: 64GB of available storage. Note that additional storage might be required for future updates and system features.
- Firmware:
- UEFI, Secure Boot capable. This requirement ensures that systems are protected from boot-level malware and ensures overall security improvements.
- TPM (Trusted Platform Module):
- TPM version 2.0 is required. This feature enhances the overall security of your system by providing hardware-based protection for encryption keys and other sensitive data.
- Graphics Card:
- DirectX 12 or later compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver. This ensures that your system can handle the enhanced visual experience of Windows 11, especially with newer gaming and creative applications.
- Display:
- High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel. For users focused on gaming or media creation, a higher resolution monitor is recommended.
- Internet Connection:
- Windows 11 24H2 requires an internet connection for initial setup and certain updates, especially to enable Microsoft accounts and various cloud services.
Copilot+ PC system requirements
To be considered a Copilot+ PC, the minimum hardware requirements are:
- Processor: Snapdragon X Elite.
- NPU: 40+ TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second).
- RAM: 16GB or more.
- Storage: 256GB SSD or larger.
- Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot support.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Display: HD 720p resolution, 9 inches or larger.
- Networking: Requires internet access and a Microsoft account.
These requirements enable AI features like Windows Recall, Windows Studio Effects, Super Resolution, Voice Clarity, Cocreator, Restyle Image, and more. Copilot+ PCs include models like Surface Pro 11th Edition, Acer Swift 14 AI, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, and Dell XPS 13.
Windows 11 24H2 Supported Processors: Complete Breakdown
Intel
Windows 11 24H2 supports Intel Core 8th Gen (Coffee Lake) and higher, including 9th (Coffee Lake Refresh), 10th (Comet and Ice Lake), 11th (Rocket and Tiger Lake), and up to 14th Gen (Raptor Lake). It also includes Intel Core X, Xeon W processors with DCH drivers, and the 7th Gen Intel 7820HQ.
AMD
Supported AMD processors include Ryzen 2000 through 7000 (including Threadripper Pro 59xxWX), EPYC 2nd and 3rd Gen, and Athlon Gold, Silver, and 3xxx series.
Qualcomm
ARM-based PCs are supported via Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 850, 7c, 8c, 8cx, 8cx Gen 2, Snapdragon X Elite and Plus, Microsoft SQ1, and SQ2 chips.
Running on Unsupported Devices
Though not officially supported, users with unsupported devices can attempt upgrading via ISO files or USB bootable media. However, the system must still have a 64-bit processor, TPM 1.2, Secure Boot, and the “POPCNT” instruction for successful operation. Systems without “POPCNT,” common in processors pre-2007, will face booting issues during the upgrade process.
Full List of Supported Processors
Intel
- 8th Gen (Coffee Lake)
- 9th Gen (Coffee Lake Refresh)
- 10th Gen (Comet Lake and Ice Lake)
- 11th Gen (Rocket Lake and Tiger Lake)
- 12th Gen (Alder Lake)
- 13th Gen (Raptor Lake)
- 14th Gen (Raptor Lake)
- Intel Core Ultra (Meteor Lake)
- Pentium (Gold and Silver)
- Xeon (Skylake-SP, Cascade Lake-SP, Cooper Lake-SP, Ice Lake-SP)
AMD
- Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000 (including 3D V-cache chips)
- Ryzen Threadripper Pro 59xxWX
- Ryzen Embedded V25xx and V27xx
- EPYC 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen
- Athlon (Gold, Silver, 3xxx, 300x)
Qualcomm
- Snapdragon X Elite
- Snapdragon X Plus
- Snapdragon 850
- Snapdragon 7c
- Snapdragon 8c
- Snapdragon 8cx (Gen 1 and Gen 2)
- Microsoft SQ1
- Microsoft SQ2
Ensure your device meets these requirements for full compatibility with Windows 11 24H2.
Windows 11 24H2 Features Requirements
Here is a detailed breakdown of the hardware requirements necessary to access specific features in Windows 11 24H2:
1. AI-Powered Features (Requires NPU)
To enable enhanced AI features in Windows 11 24H2, you need a system with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This hardware is essential for handling tasks involving machine learning and AI optimizations. The following features specifically require an NPU:
- Recall: Recall allows you to return to previous versions of apps and windows.
- Studio Effects: AI-powered effects, including background blur, auto-framing, and eye contact in video calls.
- Live Captions: Automatically transcribe spoken content from audio or video into text in real-time.
- Super Resolution: AI-enhanced upscaling of images and video for clearer visuals.
- Voice Clarity: Enhances speech audio during calls by isolating the voice and minimizing background noise.
- Cocreator for Paint: AI-driven features to assist in creating and editing images in the Paint app.
- Restyle Image for Photos: AI-powered editing tools to apply stylistic changes to images.
2. 5G Support
- Requirement: To access 5G network connectivity, you’ll need a device with a 5G-capable modem.
3. Auto HDR
- Requirement: High Dynamic Range (HDR) monitor required to utilize Auto HDR, enhancing the visual quality of games and multimedia with more vibrant colors and contrast.
4. DirectStorage
- Requirement: For faster game load times and improved performance, DirectStorage requires a 1TB or larger NVMe SSD to store and run games. It also requires a DirectX 12 Ultimate GPU.
5. DirectX 12 Ultimate
- Requirement: DirectX 12 Ultimate is available with supported games and graphics cards. Ensure your system has a compatible GPU to experience the advanced graphical features.
6. Presence Detection
- Requirement: A sensor that detects human proximity to the device or user intent is necessary to enable presence detection. This feature enhances security and device accessibility by automatically adjusting based on user interaction.
7. Intelligent Video Conferencing
- Requirement: Video conferencing features require a camera, microphone, and speakers. These components improve the quality of meetings with intelligent features like voice clarity and video enhancement.
8. Multiple Voice Assistant (MVA)
- Requirement: MVA functionality allows interaction with multiple voice assistants like Cortana and others. This feature requires a microphone and speakers.
9. Snap Three-Column Layouts
- Requirement: To utilize Snap layouts with three columns, your display must have a width of 1920 effective pixels or greater.
10. Mute/Unmute from Taskbar
- Requirement: To mute or unmute calls directly from the taskbar, you need a system with a camera, microphone, and speakers. This feature also depends on app compatibility.
11. Spatial Sound
- Requirement: To experience immersive 3D audio, your system needs hardware and software that supports Spatial Sound.
12. Touch Functionality
- Requirement: A display or monitor that supports multi-touch is necessary to interact with touch-based features in Windows 11.
13. Two-Factor Authentication
- Requirement: To use two-factor authentication, your system must support either PIN, biometric authentication (fingerprint reader or infrared camera), or a phone with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities.
14. Voice Typing
- Requirement: To use voice typing, you need a system with a microphone.
15. Wake on Voice
- Requirement: Wake on Voice allows your system to wake from sleep mode using voice commands. It requires a Modern Standby power model and a microphone.
16. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7
- Requirement (Wi-Fi 6E): Requires a compatible Wi-Fi 6E adapter and a Wi-Fi 6E router.
- Requirement (Wi-Fi 7): Requires a compatible Wi-Fi 7 adapter and access point or router.
17. Windows Hello
- Requirement: Windows Hello biometric authentication requires either a near-infrared (IR) camera or a fingerprint reader. Systems without these sensors can still use Windows Hello with a PIN or Microsoft-compatible security key.
18. Windows Projection
- Requirement: To project your screen wirelessly, your system must have a display adapter that supports Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) 2.0 and a Wi-Fi adapter compatible with Wi-Fi Direct.
Processor Instructions and Windows Recall Requirements
In addition to the general hardware requirements, Windows 11 24H2 introduces new requirements for processor instructions and Windows Recall functionality. To successfully use the Recall feature and other AI-driven enhancements, ensure that your processor supports Neural Processing Unit (NPU) integration. Additionally, older devices lacking support for specific instructions like “POPCNT” may face compatibility issues during upgrades, impacting the ability to boot properly with version 24H2.
Copilot+ PC Requirements Recap
Windows 11 24H2 also introduces specific hardware requirements for Copilot+ PCs, including a Snapdragon X Elite processor, NPU support, 16GB or more of RAM, a minimum of 256GB SSD, and Secure Boot. For AI-driven tasks and optimal performance, Copilot+ PCs are necessary to access the full potential of Windows 11’s AI enhancements.
By ensuring your system meets these feature-specific requirements, you can unlock the full range of capabilities in Windows 11 24H2 and take advantage of its advanced AI, security, and performance features.
How to Check Your System Compatibility for Windows 11 24H2
Before upgrading, it’s essential to confirm whether your device meets the system requirements for the 24H2 update. Microsoft provides a handy PC Health Check tool, which scans your system and provides a report on whether your hardware is compatible.
- How to Download the PC Health Check Tool:
- Navigate to the official Microsoft website.
- Download and install the tool.
- Run the check, and if your system is compatible, you’ll receive a confirmation message.
- Upgrading Your System if Necessary:
- If your device doesn’t meet the requirements, consider upgrading your RAM, CPU, or storage. Investing in a newer processor or additional RAM can future-proof your system for upcoming updates.
Conclusion
Windows 11 24H2 is an exciting update that brings advanced features like AI enhancements, improved security, and better multitasking to the forefront. However, ensuring your system meets the minimum requirements is crucial to enjoy these benefits without issues. Whether you’re upgrading your current device or purchasing a new PC, the key system requirements, including a 1GHz CPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 compatible graphics, will determine your device’s compatibility.
With the addition of features like Microsoft Copilot, upgrading to a system with AI-focused hardware, such as a Snapdragon X Elite CPU, can significantly enhance the overall Windows 11 experience. By following this guide and ensuring your device is up to the task, you’ll be ready to take full advantage of what Windows 11 24H2 has to offer.
