Microsoft Launches Edge v128.0, Ending Support for CPUs Lacking SSE3 Instruction Set

This week, Microsoft unveiled the official release of Microsoft Edge version 128.0, marking the last iteration of the browser to support older CPUs. Starting with version 129.0, only CPUs that support the SSE3 instruction set will be eligible for updates.

Microsoft is progressively elevating the CPU instruction set requirements for Windows and various software offerings, gradually phasing out older CPUs lacking essential instruction set support.

For the majority of users, this change will not pose any issues. The SSE3 instruction set, introduced in 2005, is supported by CPUs released after that year. CPUs from before 2005 are considered outdated and their phased discontinuation is a logical progression.

Detailed Information on the Change:

With the release of Microsoft Edge v128.0, Microsoft has initiated the requirement for the SSE3 instruction set. Devices with CPUs lacking this instruction set will no longer receive updates.

Simply put, the final version of the Microsoft Edge browser that will run on these CPUs is version 128.x. The upcoming version 129.0 and beyond will not support these older CPUs.

Users on Microsoft Edge v128.x will not receive any updates past version 129.x, unless they upgrade to a CPU that supports the SSE3 instruction set.

Impact on Enterprise Users:

While this policy shift will not affect most home users, Microsoft acknowledges that some enterprise environments might still utilize CPUs from before 2005. Notifications will be sent through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to inform enterprises.

It's worth noting that even enterprise clients will only be able to update to Microsoft Edge v128.x. Microsoft has stated that enterprises can continue using this version but will not be able to upgrade to later versions.