- Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro will reach the end of support on October 13, 2026.
- After that date, Microsoft will stop delivering security updates, bug fixes, and technical support.
- Enterprise and Education editions remain supported until October 12, 2027.
- Upgrading through Windows Update is the easiest way to stay on a supported version.
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 24H2 will reach the end of support for the Home and Pro editions on October 13, 2026, marking the point at which devices running this version will stop receiving monthly security updates unless they’re upgraded. The announcement appears in the company’s latest preview update release notes and applies to consumer devices worldwide.
Upgrade before support ends
The deadline doesn’t mean your computer will suddenly stop working. Windows 11 24H2 will continue to boot and run normally after October 13. The difference is that Microsoft will no longer ship security patches, bug fixes, time zone updates, preview updates, or technical support for that release.
Enterprise and Education editions have an extra year of support and will continue receiving updates until October 12, 2027.
For most people, this is simply the next step in the regular lifecycle of the operating system. Every feature update comes with a limited support window, and once it expires, moving to a newer version becomes the only way to stay protected.
Upgrading to a newer version is easy
If your computer is already running Windows 11 24H2, upgrading should be one of the easiest feature updates in recent years. Open Settings > Windows Update, click the “Check for updates” button, and then click the “Download and install” button (if applicable).
Since newer releases of Windows 11, including version 25H2 and the upcoming 26H2, are built on the same platform as version 24H2, the transition is designed to be quick and does not require a complete reinstall.
If you delay the upgrade, Microsoft can eventually begin automatically moving eligible consumer devices to a supported release to keep them protected.
While October may still seem far away, waiting until support expires means running a version of Windows 11 that no longer receives security fixes. Planning the upgrade ahead of time avoids that problem and keeps your computer on a supported release.
Pureinfotech’s Take
If you’re still running Windows 11 24H2, I don’t see much reason to stay on it. Unlike some feature updates that introduced major platform changes, version 25H2 is built on the same foundation as 24H2. In practice, that makes the upgrade far less intimidating than many people expect.
Are you still using Windows 11 version 24H2?
Voting closes: July 9, 2026 1:00 pm
I’ve always been cautious about recommending immediate upgrades after a new Windows release launches, but this is a different situation. Microsoft designed these releases to work from the same codebase, so moving from 24H2 to 25H2 is a small step rather than a major leap. You get a supported version without the disruption that often comes with a traditional feature update.
If Windows Update is already offering version 25H2 on your computer, I’d install it and move on. Delaying the upgrade only means getting closer to the end of support without gaining any real advantage.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 23 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].
