Windows 11 (similar to other versions of the operating system) has a lifecycle for each release (feature update), which starts when a new version becomes officially available and ends according to the version and edition policy applied by Microsoft.
Usually, the software giant provides a lifecycle of at least 18 months for each release of the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11. On the other hand, the Enterprise and Education editions typically receive at least 36 months of support.
The lifecycle refers to the period of time during which a specific version of the operating system will receive security and maintenance updates as well as new features. Also, as long as you use the current version with a genuine license during the lifecycle, you can contact technical support.
Lifecycle for consumers
The following information applies to Windows 11 Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE.
| Home & Pro | Official name | Release date | End of support | In support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 | 2024 Update | October 1, 2024 | October 13, 2026 | Yes |
| Windows 11 23H2 | 2023 Update | October 31, 2023 | November 11, 2025 | Yes |
| Windows 11 22H2 | 2022 Update | September 20, 2022 | October 8, 2024 | No |
| Windows 11 21H2 | Original release | October 4, 2021 | October 3, 2023 | No |
Lifecycle for businesses
The following information applies to Windows 11 Education, Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise.
| Enterprise & Education | Official name | Release date | End of support | In support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 | 2024 Update | October 1, 2024 | October 12, 2027 | Yes |
| Windows 11 23H2 | 2023 Update | October 31, 2023 | November 10, 2026 | Yes |
| Windows 11 22H2 | 2022 Update | September 20, 2022 | October 14, 2025 | Yes |
| Windows 11 21H2 | Original release | October 4, 2021 | October 8, 2024 | No |
Typically, you want to upgrade to the latest version before the device’s feature update reaches its end of service. Although this is a manual process, if you don’t upgrade ahead of time, eventually, your computer will try to upgrade manually to prevent going out of support. This happens as the version installed on your computer nears the end of service.
The lifecycle is different if you use the Windows 11 Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) editions. Windows 11 LTSB is the best edition if you’re not into feature updates. This edition is supported for up to 10 years, there’s no bloatware, and they don’t get feature updates.
Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 was released on October 1, 2024, and it’ll be supported until October 1, 2034.
However, Windows 11 LTSB is only available for Volume License customers or with an MSDN subscription, and this variant is usually designed for environments that require long-term stability and predictability, with a focus on security and reliability rather than frequent feature updates—for example, medical equipment, industrial control systems, and point-of-sale terminals.
Windows 10 has a slightly different lifecycle, but Microsoft plans to retire the operating system completely on October 14, 2025.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].