Windows 11 24H2 end of support arrived on October 13, 2026 for the Home and Pro editions. On that date, Microsoft stopped sending monthly updates to those editions, and the October 2026 security update was the last one. The fix is simple: update to Windows 11 version 25H2, which needs only one restart and keeps Home and Pro PCs supported until October 12, 2027. This guide shows how to check your version, update step by step, and handle the common problems.
Last updated: November 12, 2026. This guide follows Microsoft’s announcement as reported by BleepingComputer, gHacks and Make Tech Easier. Menu names can vary slightly, so check what you see on your PC.
Key Takeaways
- Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reached end of updates on October 13, 2026.
- Enterprise and Education editions of 24H2 keep updates until October 12, 2027.
- Microsoft says unmanaged Home and Pro PCs are upgraded to 25H2 automatically, but you can check and update yourself.
- The move from 24H2 to 25H2 uses a small enablement package and one restart.
- Your PC still runs on 24H2, but it no longer receives security fixes for Home and Pro.
The Dates You Need to Know
Oct 1, 2024 24H2 released Oct 13, 2026 24H2 Home and Pro end of updates Oct 12, 2027 25H2 Home and Pro end of updates
| Version and edition | End of updates |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro (also Pro Education and Pro for Workstations) | October 13, 2026 (ended) |
| Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education | October 12, 2027 |
| Windows 11 25H2 Home and Pro | October 12, 2027 |
Microsoft confirmed the change in its message center on October 13, 2026, saying the October 2026 monthly security update is the last one for these editions. You can read the report on BleepingComputer, or Microsoft’s earlier warning in gHacks.
What This Means for Your PC
Your computer does not stop working. But a Home or Pro PC that stays on 24H2 no longer gets security and quality updates, so new weaknesses stay unpatched. That is why Microsoft urges people to move to 25H2. Microsoft also says unmanaged Home and Pro devices will be updated to 25H2 automatically, though you can still choose when to restart.
Using Windows 10 instead? Read our guide to Windows 10 end of support and the extended 2027 date.
Step 1: Check Your Windows Version and Edition
- Press Windows key + R, type
winverand press Enter. - Read the Version line. If it says 24H2, you need to update.
- For your edition, open Settings, then System, then About and look under Windows specifications.
- If the edition is Home or Pro, the deadline already passed. If it is Enterprise or Education, you have until October 12, 2027.
Step 2: Update to Windows 11 25H2
- Back up your important files. Use a cloud service or an external drive.
- Open Settings, then Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If you see the feature update for Windows 11, version 25H2, select Download and install.
- Restart when asked. Microsoft delivers 25H2 as an enablement package on top of 24H2, so it needs only one restart.
- After the restart, press Windows key + R, type
winverand confirm that it shows 25H2 (or a newer version).
Some late-2026 guidance also mentions a newer version, 26H2, as an option. Windows Update decides which version your PC is offered, so install whichever supported version it shows rather than using unofficial tools.
If Windows Update Does Not Offer 25H2
- Install all other pending updates, restart, and check again.
- Make sure you are on a supported edition and that Windows Update is not paused.
- Wait a day and try again. Updates can roll out in stages.
- Check Microsoft’s Windows release health page for known issues that affect your device.
- Avoid downloading random “upgrade” tools from unknown sites.
What to Do in Your Situation
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Home or Pro on 24H2, not managed by work | Update to 25H2 in Windows Update now |
| Work or school PC managed by IT | Ask IT. They control when the update arrives |
| Enterprise or Education on 24H2 | You have until October 12, 2027, but plan the move |
| Still on Windows 10 | Enroll in ESU or upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC qualifies |
| PC will not update | Install pending updates, restart, then check Microsoft’s release health page |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the notice. A PC without security updates becomes riskier over time.
- Skipping a backup. Updates are usually safe, but a backup costs little.
- Using unofficial update tools. Stay with Windows Update.
- Delaying the restart for weeks. The update finishes only after you restart.
For more practical fixes, see our easy tech tips and the Tech Tips and How-To category. Make Tech Easier also has a short guide to the 24H2 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Windows 11 24H2 support end?
Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reached end of updates on October 13, 2026. Enterprise and Education editions of 24H2 are supported until October 12, 2027.
Will my PC stop working after 24H2 support ends?
No. It keeps running, but Home and Pro editions no longer receive security and quality updates, so you should move to 25H2.
How do I update from 24H2 to 25H2?
Open Settings, go to Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install the feature update for Windows 11 version 25H2. Restart once when asked.
Will Windows update to 25H2 automatically?
Microsoft says unmanaged Home and Pro devices on 24H2 receive the 25H2 update automatically, and you can still choose when to restart. Check Windows Update to be sure it has finished.
How long is 25H2 supported?
For Home and Pro, 25H2 is supported until October 12, 2027.
How do I check which Windows 11 version I have?
Press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. The Version line shows your release, such as 24H2 or 25H2.
Final Thoughts: A Five-Minute Fix
The Windows 11 24H2 end of support sounds serious, but the fix takes only a few minutes. Check your version with winver, run Windows Update, restart once, and confirm that you are on 25H2 or newer. Do it today so your PC keeps getting security updates.
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