Windows 11 to Introduce New Watermark Reminder for AI Requirements
Many Windows 11 users are already familiar with the watermark that appears in the lower right corner when the operating system is not activated. However, a new annoyance may be on the horizon for those whose PC hardware does not meet the AI requirements of Windows 11 24H2.
A recent discovery by a netizen named Albacore revealed that in the Windows 11 Insider Build 26200 version, a watermark will be displayed if the PC does not meet the AI Explorer hardware requirements. This new reminder is said to appear in overlays, but the exact details of its display frequency are still unclear.
Albacore also shared that the AI Explorer check can be bypassed by disabling ID 48486440, which will only disable the AIX check and not the API. This discovery has raised concerns among users, especially those with x86 computers, as the AI Explorer hardware requirements include an ARM64 CPU and Snapdragon functionalities.
Speculation is rife that this watermark may only be a feature of the beta version to help testers determine if their hardware can enable AI functions. However, if implemented permanently, it could lead to backlash from users who find such reminders intrusive.
In addition to the AI Explorer hardware requirements, Windows 11 24H2 is also set to introduce new hardware limitations. Starting from build 26080, the SSE 4.2 instruction set will be required to boot the operating system. Users without this instruction set may experience automatic reboots when attempting to start Windows 11 24H2.
Despite these upcoming changes, current Windows 11 users need not worry, as the SSE 4.2 instruction set has been a standard feature in computers for nearly two decades. The new requirements are aimed at ensuring optimal performance and functionality for AI-related tasks.
It remains to be seen how users will react to these new developments in Windows 11, but one thing is certain – the operating system is evolving to incorporate advanced technologies that may require specific hardware capabilities.
Source: Tom’s Hardware