The clock is ticking for millions of Windows 11 PCs.
On October 13, 2026 — in approximately five weeks — Microsoft officially ends support for Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions. After that date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and non-security updates containing protections from the latest security threats.
Microsoft has already started sending warnings. In July 2026, the company issued a 90-day notice through its Message Center: “On October 13, 2026, Windows 11, version 24H2 Home and Pro editions, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will reach end of updates. After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive fixes for known issues, time zone updates, technical support, or monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats.”
Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro users have a narrow window to act. Here is exactly what the end of support means, who is affected, what happens to your PC afterward, and how to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 before the deadline.
The Key Date — October 13, 2026
| Edition | End of Support Date |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro | October 13, 2026 |
| Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education | October 12, 2027 |
| Windows 11 24H2 IoT Enterprise | October 12, 2027 |
| Windows 11 25H2 Home and Pro | October 2027 |
| Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise/Education | November 10, 2026 |
| Windows 11 SE (24H2 — final version) | October 2026 |
Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro support ends October 13, 2026. Enterprise and Education editions remain supported for an extra year, officially reaching their end of updates on October 12, 2027, creating two different patch timelines for devices that may appear to be running the same Windows version.
This distinction matters for organizations managing mixed fleets. A device running Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise has an extra year of support. A device running Windows 11 24H2 Home or Pro hits the deadline in October.
What Is Windows 11 24H2?
Windows 11 version 24H2 — also called the Windows 11 2024 Update — reached general availability on October 1, 2024. It was the largest feature update since Windows 11’s initial release, introducing a redesigned Settings app, improved AI features for Copilot+ PCs, a new Microsoft Teams integration, and major accessibility improvements.
Since 24H2 has been the default install on every new Windows 11 PC sold from October 2024 onward, it is the most widely installed Windows 11 version in the world as of September 2026. That makes its end-of-support date one of the most broadly impactful Windows lifecycle milestones in years.
What Exactly Stops on October 13, 2026?
After October 13, 2026, Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro devices stop receiving:
Monthly security updates — the Patch Tuesday fixes that patch newly discovered vulnerabilities. This is the critical loss. Every month after October 2026, new security vulnerabilities will be discovered and patched for Windows 11 25H2 but not for 24H2. The gap widens with every passing month.
Non-security preview updates — quality improvements, bug fixes, and reliability updates delivered in the third week of each month.
Time zone updates — when governments change daylight saving time rules, Windows distributes the updated time zone data through security updates. Without these, a 24H2 device’s clock may drift from the correct local time over time.
Technical support — official Microsoft support channels will no longer assist with issues specific to Windows 11 24H2.
Known issue fixes — bugs that Microsoft has acknowledged but not yet patched will remain unpatched on 24H2 indefinitely.
“Devices running these editions will no longer receive fixes for known issues, time zone updates, technical support, or monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats,” Microsoft says.
What does NOT stop: Your PC continues to work. Windows 11 24H2 does not stop booting, does not erase files, and does not lock you out. Every app you have installed continues to run. The system functions normally — it simply stops receiving protection updates from Microsoft.
Who Is Affected
Directly affected — action required before October 13:
Every Windows 11 Home or Pro PC running version 24H2. To check your version: go to Settings, System, About and look at the Version field under Windows specifications. If it shows 24H2, you are affected.
Windows 11 SE users — Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 24H2 is the last supported version for Windows 11 SE, with final updates arriving in October 2026. Schools using Windows 11 SE will need to migrate devices to standard Windows editions or other platforms.
Not directly affected by October 13:
Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education — these editions have support until October 12, 2027. No immediate action required.
Windows 11 25H2 users — fully supported until October 2027. No action required.
Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education — supported until November 10, 2026.
Other Products Ending Support on October 13, 2026
October 13, 2026 is a significant date beyond just Windows 11 24H2. Three other major Microsoft products reach end of support on the same day:
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 — the Windows 10 edition still widely deployed in enterprise environments that chose the Long-Term Servicing Branch track. As covered in the KB5099539 Windows 10 ESU update guide, some Windows 10 users have been receiving Extended Security Updates — but for LTSB 2016 specifically, October 13, 2026 is the final date.
Windows Server 2022 mainstream support — mainstream support ends October 13, 2026. Extended security support continues until October 2031 as covered in the KB5099540 Windows Server 2022 guide, but no new features will be added after this date.
Office LTSC 2021 — Microsoft’s perpetual license Office suite reaches end of support. Organizations on Office LTSC 2021 will need to move to Microsoft 365 or Office LTSC 2024.
In a parallel announcement, Microsoft revealed that Windows Server 2022 will also reach the end of its mainstream support on the very same day.
Why This Deadline Matters More Than Most
Every Windows PC carries at least two clocks: the physical lifespan of its hardware and the support lifespan of the Windows release installed on it. The second clock is easier to overlook because an expired Windows installation does not suddenly stop booting, erase files, or lock its owner out. Instead, monthly security fixes, reliability updates, and official support come to an end, quietly turning a computer that appears normal into one that becomes harder and riskier to maintain with every passing month.
Once the October deadline passes, unmanaged consumer devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro will be left highly vulnerable.
The vulnerability accumulates gradually. On October 14, 2026 — the day after the deadline — every vulnerability Microsoft patches for Windows 11 25H2 and did not patch for 24H2 before October 13 becomes a permanent gap. Attackers who study Patch Tuesday releases specifically target end-of-life Windows versions because the patch notes for the current version reveal exactly which vulnerabilities exist — unfixed — in the expired one.
The Upgrade Path — Windows 11 25H2
The recommended action for all Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro users is to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 before October 13, 2026.
The good news is everyone running 24H2 today should be fully compatible with 25H2, which is the current shipping version of Windows 11 and fully supported, based on the exact same codebase as 24H2. In fact, they’re so similar, the 25H2 upgrade is very small and comes with no compatibility issues or complex update processes. It’s essentially the flip of a switch.
This is the critical difference between this end-of-support transition and most historical Windows upgrades. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 required hardware compatibility checks, a large download, and a lengthy installation process. Upgrading from Windows 11 24H2 to Windows 11 25H2 is essentially a version flip — the underlying codebase is the same, the hardware requirements are the same, and the upgrade arrives as a small enablement package rather than a full OS download.
How to Upgrade From Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2
Method 1 — Windows Update (Easiest)
Go to Settings, Windows Update, Check for updates. If your device is eligible, the Windows 11 25H2 upgrade appears. Click Download and install. Restart when prompted. The entire process takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes.
Microsoft is already pushing automatic rollout behavior to eligible unmanaged devices. If your device has automatic updates enabled and has not paused updates, it may upgrade to 25H2 automatically before October 13.
Method 2 — KB5054156 Enablement Package (Direct Download)
The Windows 11 25H2 enablement package KB5054156 is available for direct download from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This is the same small package that Windows Update uses — downloading and running it manually produces the identical result as the Windows Update method.
Go to catalog.update.microsoft.com, search for KB5054156, download the x64 or ARM64 package matching your device, and run it. One restart completes the upgrade.
Method 3 — Windows 11 25H2 ISO (Clean Install or Repair)
For users who prefer a clean installation or who need offline deployment media, the full Windows 11 25H2 ISO is available from Microsoft’s software download page. This installs the complete 25H2 system from scratch. Personal files and apps are not preserved with a clean install unless you choose the upgrade option during setup.
What If You Cannot Upgrade by October 13?
If your hardware is Windows 11 compatible:
Your hardware already meets Windows 11 25H2 requirements — the requirements are identical to 24H2. The upgrade is straightforward. Apply Method 1 or Method 2 above before the deadline.
If you use specialized or legacy software:
Test the target software on a Windows 11 25H2 test device before the deadline. Since 24H2 and 25H2 share the same codebase, software compatibility issues are extremely rare. Anyone who depends on specialized hardware or software should test now rather than wait for a forced timetable. A few months provide room to update drivers, replace incompatible utilities, and address any edge cases before the deadline arrives.
If you manage enterprise devices on 24H2 Enterprise or Education:
No immediate action is required — these editions have support until October 12, 2027. Use the additional year to plan your 25H2 migration on your own schedule rather than rushing to meet the October 13 consumer deadline.
Extended Security Updates:
Microsoft has not announced an Extended Security Updates program for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro analogous to the Windows 10 ESU program. The ESU option exists for some Windows versions, but the expectation for Windows 11 24H2 is that the upgrade to 25H2 is the supported path, not a paid extension.
What Windows Update Will Do Automatically
Microsoft has a documented policy of automatically upgrading end-of-life devices to the current supported version. As the October 2026 deadline approaches, this automatic upgrade behavior is expected to intensify.
Microsoft is already positioned to move unmanaged eligible 24H2 Home and Pro PCs toward 25H2. Users should expect automatic rollout behavior to intensify as the October deadline approaches.
For devices with automatic updates enabled and no pauses configured, Windows 11 25H2 may install automatically in the weeks before October 13. If you prefer to control the timing of this upgrade — particularly on devices where you want to test compatibility first — consider pausing updates temporarily while you perform testing, then resuming and allowing the upgrade before the deadline.
What automatic upgrade does NOT include: Devices that do not meet Windows 11 hardware requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, compatible processor) are not eligible for the automatic upgrade to 25H2. These devices remain on 24H2 past the deadline without an automated path forward.
The Windows 11 Support Timeline — Full Picture
Understanding where October 2026 fits in the broader Windows 11 lifecycle helps with longer-term planning.
| Version | Release Date | Home/Pro End | Enterprise/Education End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 21H2 | Oct 2021 | Oct 2023 | Oct 2024 |
| Windows 11 22H2 | Sept 2022 | Oct 2024 | Oct 2025 |
| Windows 11 23H2 | Oct 2023 | Nov 2025 | Nov 2026 |
| Windows 11 24H2 | Oct 2024 | Oct 13, 2026 | Oct 12, 2027 |
| Windows 11 25H2 | Sept 2025 | Oct 2027 | Oct 2028 |
The pattern is clear — each annual Windows 11 version receives approximately two years of support for Home and Pro, with Enterprise and Education getting one additional year. Windows 11 follows an annual feature-update model in which each version receives updates for a defined period before users must move forward.
This is fundamentally different from the Windows 7 and Windows 10 era where a single version received 10 years of support. The modern Windows lifecycle is a continuous treadmill — each annual version is supported for roughly two years, then users must step to the next one.
Windows 11 SE — A Different Story
For schools and educational institutions using Windows 11 SE — Microsoft’s lightweight Windows edition designed as a ChromeOS alternative — October 2026 carries additional significance.
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 24H2 is now the last supported version for Windows 11 SE, with final updates arriving in October 2026. Once support ends, schools still using Windows 11 SE will need to migrate devices to standard Windows editions or other platforms.
Unlike the transition from Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 for standard editions — which is a seamless enablement package upgrade — Windows 11 SE devices cannot receive the 25H2 upgrade through the normal path. Educational institutions managing Windows 11 SE fleets need to plan a more substantive migration before October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Windows 11 24H2 support end?
Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions reach end of support on October 13, 2026. After that date, no more monthly security updates, bug fixes, time zone updates, or technical support are provided for these editions. Enterprise and Education editions have support until October 12, 2027.
What happens to my PC after Windows 11 24H2 support ends?
Your PC continues to work normally. Windows does not stop booting or delete files. However, your PC stops receiving monthly security patches, meaning newly discovered vulnerabilities remain unpatched indefinitely. The security risk grows with every month that passes after the deadline as attackers target known unpatched vulnerabilities.
Do I need to buy a new PC to upgrade from 24H2 to 25H2?
No. Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 share the same hardware requirements and the same codebase. Any PC running 24H2 can upgrade to 25H2 without hardware changes. The upgrade is delivered as a small enablement package rather than a full OS reinstall.
How do I upgrade from Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2?
Go to Settings, Windows Update, Check for updates and install the Windows 11 25H2 update when it appears. Alternatively, download the KB5054156 enablement package from the Microsoft Update Catalog and run it directly. Both methods produce the same result — a one-restart upgrade to Windows 11 25H2.
Is Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise affected by the October 13 deadline?
No. Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions are supported until October 12, 2027 — one full year after the Home and Pro deadline. Organizations running Enterprise or Education editions do not need to upgrade before October 13, 2026.
Will Microsoft automatically upgrade my PC from 24H2 to 25H2?
For devices with automatic updates enabled, Microsoft is already pushing Windows 11 25H2 upgrades to eligible unmanaged 24H2 Home and Pro devices. This automatic rollout is expected to intensify as the October 13 deadline approaches. Devices that meet Windows 11 hardware requirements and have not paused updates may upgrade automatically before the deadline.
What other products end support on October 13, 2026?
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, Office LTSC 2021, and Windows Server 2022 mainstream support all end on October 13, 2026 — the same day as Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro. Windows Server 2022 transitions to extended support (security patches only) through 2031.
What should organizations with mixed 24H2 Home/Pro and Enterprise fleets do?
Home and Pro devices need upgrading to 25H2 before October 13, 2026. Enterprise and Education devices have until October 12, 2027. Audit your fleet by edition now — devices on the same 24H2 version number may have different deadlines depending on whether they are Home/Pro or Enterprise/Education.
