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.
Join Mikko Hyppönen and security leaders from the NFL, CHANEL, and Atlassian for a two-hour digital summit on what AI-speed attacks change, what defenders should stop doing, and how to validate, decide, fix, and re-validate at machine speed.