- Windows 11 24H2 reaches end of support on October 13, marking its final scheduled monthly security update.
- Windows 11 26H2 gets its first regular monthly update since Microsoft released the 2026 Update on September 29.
- Windows 11 25H2 continues receiving monthly updates, so version 26H2 does not immediately replace every supported version.
- 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share the same servicing foundation, making the move to 26H2 less disruptive than a traditional upgrade.
Microsoft is preparing to end support for Windows 11 24H2 as the company moves users toward Windows 11 26H2.
October 13 will mark an important transition for Windows 11. The company will release the final scheduled monthly security update for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro on the same day the operating system reaches its end-of-support date.
Windows 11 26H2, meanwhile, will receive its first regular monthly security update since Microsoft released the 2026 Update on September 29.
Windows 11 24H2 reaches the end
Windows 11 24H2 has received monthly security and quality updates since its release in 2024. Support for the Home and Pro editions ends on October 13, meaning Microsoft will no longer provide regular security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the version after that date.
The final October Patch Tuesday update will give version 24H2 one last round of scheduled security fixes before Microsoft moves on to newer supported versions.
A computer running 24H2 won’t suddenly stop working after the end-of-support date. However, continuing to use an unsupported version means the computer will no longer receive Microsoft’s regular security protections.
26H2 takes over
Microsoft released Windows 11 26H2 on September 29 as the company’s latest annual feature update.
The transition is different from previous Windows upgrades because 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share the same underlying servicing foundation. Microsoft can enable the newer release without replacing the entire operating system.
For supported devices running Windows 11 25H2, the upgrade to version 26H2 is delivered through a small Enablement Package. Much of the underlying code is already present, making the transition considerably less disruptive than a traditional feature update.
October’s Patch Tuesday will therefore mark the beginning of the regular servicing cycle for 26H2.
October 13 marks a Windows 11 handoff
The October update cycle will leave Microsoft’s Windows 11 versions in a different position:
- Windows 11 24H2 gets its final scheduled security update and reaches end of support.
- Windows 11 25H2 continues receiving monthly updates.
- Windows 11 26H2 gets its first regular monthly security update.
The timing gives users still running 24H2 another reason to check Windows Update and move to a supported version.
Microsoft’s move to a shared servicing foundation also makes the transition less dramatic for users. Upgrading to version 26H2 doesn’t necessarily mean starting over or performing a traditional clean installation.
Pureinfotech’s Take
October 13 is more than another Patch Tuesday for Windows 11. Microsoft is closing the door on version 24H2 while beginning the regular update cycle for version 26H2.
Are you still running Windows 11 24H2?
Voting closes: October 13, 2026 12:24 pm
The good news is that the transition to version 26H2 should be relatively painless for supported (as well as unsupported) devices. Microsoft has kept the newer versions on the same servicing foundation, so users don’t necessarily have to go through a major operating system upgrade.
If you’re still running 24H2, though, remember that October 13 is the deadline. After that date, it’s time to move to a supported version of Windows 11.
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].
