Microsoft has told users that devices using the Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro versions will cease to receive updates on October 13, 2026, as stated in an update to the message center.

Following that date, devices that are affected will no longer get their monthly security and non-security preview updates. The Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education versions will continue to be covered by mainstream support until October 2027.

The company is recommending that users upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, which is the most recent version. Home and Pro devices which are not managed will automatically be upgraded to 25H2.

Microsoft stated that on October 13, 2026, the Home and Pro versions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will reach the end of updates. "Following that date," it added, "devices using these editions will cease to receive the monthly security and non-security preview updates which include protections against the latest security threats."

According to Microsoft's lifecycle policy, the Enterprise and Education versions of Windows 11 24H2 will remain under mainstream support until October 2027.

It is suggested that customers upgrade to Windows 11 25H2, the Windows 11 2025 Update, which was made generally available as a minor update obtained via an enablement package.

Microsoft has cautions that any systems running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro which are not being managed by IT departments will be automatically updated to Windows 11 25H2, although users will still have the option of deciding when to restart or to delay the update.

Users on eligible Windows 10 or Windows 11 devices can check for the update:

1. Go to Settings and then select Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. When the device is ready, the option to download and install Windows 11, version 25H2 will appear.

Microsoft has also announced that Windows Server 2022 is nearing the end of its mainstream support and will make the transition to extended support on October 13, it being in effect until October 14, 2031.

This year Microsoft quietly brought forward the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates scheme for home users until October 2027 and ceased to issue security updates to devices running Windows 11 Home and Pro 23H2 in November 2025.

The Home and Pro versions of Windows 11 24H2 will have the end of support set for October 13, 2026, after which no further updates will be issued for these editions.

Devices that are not under management will be automatically upgraded to 25H2, but users have the option of controlling when the restart takes place. Further details can be found using Microsoft's Windows Lifecycle FAQ and Lifecycle Policy search tool.