Windows 11 lifecycle for Home and Pro

Learn when the lifecycle of each version of Windows 11 begins and ends.

Windows intelligence update
Windows intelligence update / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • For Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, each major version (feature update) is supported for 24 months from its release date.
  • Currently, the supported versions are 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2.
  • Windows 11 version 25H2 support ends on October 12, 2027, and version 24H2 ends on October 13, 2026.
  • Microsoft is expected to end support for version 23H2 in November 2025.

UPDATED 10/3/2025: 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 24 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 during which a specific version of the operating system receives security and maintenance updates, as well as new features. Additionally, as long as you use the current version with a genuine license throughout its 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 nameRelease dateEnd of supportIn support
Windows 11 25H22025 UpdateSeptember 30, 2025October 12, 2027Yes
Windows 11 24H22024 UpdateOctober 1, 2024October 13, 2026Yes
Windows 11 23H22023 UpdateOctober 31, 2023November 11, 2025Yes
Windows 11 22H22022 UpdateSeptember 20, 2022October 8, 2024No
Windows 11 21H2Original releaseOctober 4, 2021October 3, 2023No

Lifecycle for businesses

The following information applies to Windows 11 Education, Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise.

Enterprise &
Education
Official nameRelease dateEnd of supportIn support
Windows 11 25H22025 UpdateSeptember 30, 2025October 10, 2028Yes
Windows 11 24H22024 UpdateOctober 1, 2024October 12, 2027Yes
Windows 11 23H22023 UpdateOctober 31, 2023November 10, 2026Yes
Windows 11 22H22022 UpdateSeptember 20, 2022October 14, 2025Yes
Windows 11 21H2Original releaseOctober 4, 2021October 8, 2024No

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, your computer will eventually attempt to upgrade manually to prevent going out of support. This occurs as the version installed on your computer nears the end of its service life.

The lifecycle is different if you use the Windows 11 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions. Windows 11 LTSC is the best edition if you’re not interested in receiving feature updates. This edition is supported for up to 10 years, comes without bloatware, and does not receive 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 LTSC 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.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 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].