Windows 11 version 24H2 Home, Pro, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations reach end of updates on October 13, 2026. Back up important files and install a newer supported release through Windows Update when it is offered. Windows 11 version 25H2 remains supported, while version 26H2 became generally available on September 29, 2026, with availability expanding gradually to eligible PCs.
Check whether the deadline applies to your PC
The Windows version and edition are separate details, and both determine the applicable support date. For example, Windows 11 Pro version 24H2 has an earlier end-of-updates date than Windows 11 Enterprise version 24H2.
- Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
- Select System, then About.
- Scroll to Windows specifications.
- Check the entries beside Edition and Version.
You can also press Windows key + R, type winver, and select OK. This displays the Windows version and operating system build. The About page is more useful when you also need to confirm the edition.
| Installed edition | Version | End of updates |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Home | 24H2 | October 13, 2026 |
| Windows 11 Pro | 24H2 | October 13, 2026 |
| Pro Education or Pro for Workstations | 24H2 | October 13, 2026 |
| Enterprise or Education | 24H2 | October 12, 2027 |
Do not assume that a work computer uses Enterprise. Many small-business and home-office PCs run Pro and therefore have the earlier deadline. If an employer or school manages the device, contact its information technology department rather than installing a feature update yourself.
Long-Term Servicing Channel editions have separate lifecycles and are not covered by the ordinary Home and Pro schedule. Most personal computers do not use these specialized editions.
What happens after Windows 11 24H2 reaches end of updates
After October 13, 2026, Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions will no longer receive monthly security updates, optional preview updates, fixes for known issues, time-zone updates or technical support from Microsoft. Microsoft’s lifecycle page lists October 14, 2026, as the retirement date in Pacific Time, while its Windows release-health guidance identifies October 13 as the final end-of-updates date.
Your PC will not suddenly stop working. End of support is a servicing cutoff: it does not expire your Windows licence, prevent the computer from starting or erase files. Existing programs and Windows features should remain available.
The risk is that future security vulnerabilities and reliability issues in that Windows release will no longer be routinely fixed. Browsers, antivirus software and other applications may still receive their own updates, but those updates cannot repair unsupported Windows components.
Version 25H2 is a supported update path from 24H2. Version 26H2 is the newest Windows 11 release, but its rollout is phased. As of October 2, 2026, Microsoft says 26H2 is initially available to eligible 24H2 and 25H2 devices for people who have turned on the Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available setting. Do not delay an offered 25H2 update solely to wait for 26H2.
You may also see Windows 11 version 26H1 in Microsoft documentation. It is not offered as an in-place update from existing 24H2 or 25H2 installations, so it is not the normal upgrade destination for a current PC.
Update through Windows Update first
Before starting, copy irreplaceable documents, photos and other files to OneDrive, another cloud service, an external drive or a separate computer. A feature update is designed to preserve personal files, but a current backup protects against power loss, storage failure and unrelated hardware problems.
- Connect the computer to reliable internet access and connect a laptop to power.
- Save open work and close applications.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install pending monthly updates and restart if requested.
- Return to Windows Update and look for Windows 11 version 25H2 or 26H2.
- Select Download and install if that option appears.
- Leave the PC powered on and restart it at a convenient time when Windows requests it.
The move from 24H2 to 25H2 is delivered as a small enablement update on eligible devices. Version 26H2 also uses servicing technology intended to provide a relatively fast installation. Installation time can still vary with the PC, internet connection, pending updates and free storage space.
After restarting, return to Settings > System > About and confirm that the version has changed. Then check Windows Update again to install the latest cumulative update for the new release.
If an update causes a serious problem, Windows may offer recovery or rollback options for a limited time. Review these Windows 11 restore options before resetting the PC or reinstalling Windows, because recovery methods can affect files and installed applications differently.
What to do if no feature update is offered
Not seeing a newer version does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. Microsoft rolls out feature updates gradually, and Windows Update assesses hardware, drivers and installed software before offering an update.
- Finish existing updates. Install all pending updates, restart the PC and check again.
- Check whether updates are paused. Resume them from the Windows Update page if necessary.
- Check your connection. Updates may not download automatically on a metered connection. Use an unmetered connection where practical.
- Free storage space. Open Settings > System > Storage and use the available cleanup recommendations. Microsoft says a 64-bit Windows upgrade may require at least 20 gigabytes of free space.
- Use the Windows Update troubleshooter for failures. If an offered update repeatedly fails or displays an error code, open the Get Help app and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Check for organisation management. If Settings says that some options are managed by your organisation, contact the responsible employer, school or administrator.
Microsoft uses safeguard holds when a known hardware, driver or application issue could cause a feature update to fail, roll back or seriously affect the device. Windows Update may say that an update is on its way but is not yet ready for the PC. This is a protective block, not an error to defeat.
Keep monthly updates, device drivers and affected applications current, then wait for Microsoft or the relevant manufacturer to resolve the issue. Microsoft says Windows Update resumes offering the new version after the fix has been verified and the safeguard hold is removed.
Avoid registry changes, policy modifications, unofficial installation images or other methods intended to bypass a known block. Microsoft advises against manually updating while a safeguard hold remains in place because the device may encounter the problem the hold was designed to avoid.
When the Windows Update Assistant may help
Microsoft’s Windows Update Assistant is a manual option for a compatible x86-64 PC that has not received the latest feature update automatically. It downloads and installs the latest available Windows feature update. It does not run on Arm-based PCs.
Use it only after checking Windows Update for a compatibility message or safeguard hold. If the device is simply waiting for phased availability, the normal Windows Update offer is the safer choice. For most home users, the practical approach is to back up important files and install 25H2 or 26H2 when Windows Update offers it.
