Microsoft Delays SSE3 Instruction Set Requirement for Microsoft Edge Browser until Version 128, Postponing Blocking

In recent times, Microsoft has been adjusting the SSE instruction set requirements for its operating systems and software. The instruction set is primarily supported by the CPU processor, and some older CPUs will not support the new SSE instruction sets that are being introduced.

The SSE3 instruction set, released in 2005, means that CPUs manufactured in 2005 and thereafter support this instruction set. CPUs produced before 2005, however, lack SSE3 instruction set support and therefore cannot run certain Microsoft systems and software.

The Microsoft Edge browser team originally planned to drop support for older CPUs starting with version 126.0, released in mid-June. This has now been postponed to version 128.0.

Version 128.0 of Microsoft Edge will still function on CPUs lacking the SSE3 instruction set, but no further functional or security updates will be provided. For security reasons, Microsoft recommends users upgrade to newer CPUs to continue using the Microsoft Edge browser.

Furthermore, starting with Microsoft Edge version 126, a banner will be displayed to users on older CPUs, alerting them that their computer will soon stop receiving updates for Microsoft Edge due to unsupported hardware.

This adjustment in support policy will not affect the majority of users, as those still using CPUs from before 2005 are likely very few. These CPUs, if still in operation, are probably running on operating systems like Windows XP or Windows 7, which themselves lack support for the Microsoft Edge browser.

However, considering that some businesses may still use older CPUs in certain special environments, Microsoft has also posted this notification in the Microsoft 365 admin center. These business environments can continue using the Microsoft Edge browser but will also no longer receive security updates.