Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in October
Microsoft reminded customers this week that devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will stop receiving updates next month.
However, under Microsoft's lifecycle policy, Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions remain under mainstream support until October 2027.
"On October 13, 2026, Windows 11, version 24H2 Home and Pro editions, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will reach end of updates," Microsoft said in a message center update.
"After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and non-security preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats."
Customers are now advised to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, the latest Windows 11 version also known as the Windows 11 2025 Update, which became generally available in September 2024 as a minor update installed through an enablement package.
Microsoft also warned that systems running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro that aren't managed by IT departments will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, while still allowing customers to choose when to restart or postpone the update.
"If you have an eligible Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, you can check whether the update is available by selecting Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates," it said. "If your device is ready for the update, you'll see the option to Download and install Windows 11, version 25H2."
More information about Windows servicing dates is available on the Windows Lifecycle FAQ page or can be found using the Lifecycle Policy search tool. Microsoft also provides a list of all products and services that will be retired or reach the end of support this year on its support website.
Last week, Microsoft also announced that Windows Server 2022 is rapidly approaching the end of mainstream support and that it will switch to extended support on October 13 until October 14, 2031.
Earlier this year, Microsoft also quietly extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for home users until October 2027 and stopped rolling out security updates to devices running Windows 11 Home and Pro 23H2 in November 2025.
References in this story
- Windows 11 Enterprise and Education - Microsoft Lifecycle learn.microsoft.com Windows 11 Enterprise and Education follows the Modern Lifecycle Policy.
- Windows message center learn.microsoft.com Windows message center
- Latest Windows 11 25H2 news www.bleepingcomputer.com The latest news about Windows 11 25H2
- Windows 11 2025 Update (25H2) is now available, Here's what's new www.bleepingcomputer.com Today, Microsoft announced the release of Windows 11 25H2, also known as Windows 11 2025 Update.
- Keep your PC up to date with active hours | Microsoft Support support.microsoft.com Learn how to get updates automatically when you
- Pause updates in Windows | Microsoft Support support.microsoft.com Under Settings, you can pause the Windows Update from being downloaded and installed for a period of time. You can also select a convenient time to restart your device after the updates are downloaded and installed.
- Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications learn.microsoft.com View announcements and review known issues and fixes for Windows 11, version 24H2
- Lifecycle FAQ - Windows learn.microsoft.com Answers to frequently asked questions about the lifecycle policy for Windows products.
- Search Product and Services Lifecycle Information - Microsoft Lifecycle docs.microsoft.com Note Export lifecycle information from the Lifecycle Export page. Microsoft Lifecycle provides consistent and predictable guidelines for support throughout the life of a product, helping customers manage their IT…
- Ending Support in 2026 - Microsoft Lifecycle learn.microsoft.com Find out which products will retire, reach end of support or move from mainstream support to extended support in 2026.
- Windows Server 2022 reaches end of mainstream support next month www.bleepingcomputer.com Microsoft has reminded customers that Windows Server 2022 will reach the end of mainstream support next month and enter extended support until October 2031.
- Microsoft quietly extends free Windows 10 ESU support to October 2027 www.bleepingcomputer.com Microsoft has quietly extended its free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, allowing enrolled devices to continue receiving security updates until October 12, 2027.
- Microsoft: Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support www.bleepingcomputer.com Microsoft has reminded customers today that systems running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 have stopped receiving security updates.
