The clock is ticking for millions of Windows users as Microsoft officially issues a 90-day warning to upgrade their operating systems before the security patch runs out.
On Oct. 13, 2026, Microsoft will officially terminate support for Windows 11 version 24H2 (Home and Pro editions) alongside Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016. In a parallel announcement, Redmond revealed that Windows Server 2022 will also reach the end of its mainstream support on the very same day.
Once the October deadline passes, unmanaged consumer devices running these specific versions will be left highly vulnerable.
“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,” Microsoft warned in a message center update.
The upgrade paths for consumers and businesses
For everyday consumers running Windows 11 24H2 Home or Pro, the transition is designed to be relatively painless. Microsoft is steering these users toward Windows 11 version 25H2.
Fortunately, version 25H2 operates as a minor update installed via an enablement package over 24H2. For computers not managed by corporate IT departments, the upgrade to 25H2 will deploy automatically, though users will retain the ability to schedule their restarts.
For enterprise environments, the math is slightly different:
- Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise & Education: These editions will remain supported for an extra year, officially reaching their end of updates on Oct. 12, 2027.
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016: Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024. For businesses needing more runway, paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) are available.
- Windows Server 2022: While mainstream support ends on Oct. 13, 2026, Server 2022 will transition to an “extended support” phase. It will continue to receive security patches at no additional cost until Oct. 14, 2031, but it will no longer receive any new features. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 for full mainstream support.
The strategic shift behind Microsoft’s shortened lifecycle
Historically, major Windows releases enjoyed much longer periods of mainstream relevance. However, by retiring the consumer editions of Windows 11 24H2 just two years after its late-2024 release, Microsoft is solidifying a rapid-fire servicing pipeline.
This aggressive lifecycle forces both consumers and IT administrators into a state of continuous deployment. By shrinking the support window for older builds, Microsoft minimizes the fragmentation of its OS ecosystem, making it significantly easier to secure its user base against modern exploits.
The downside, however, is upgrade fatigue. IT administrators must continuously validate line-of-business applications against newer builds like 25H2, risking workflow disruption in exchange for security compliance.
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What to check before moving to Windows 11 25H2
For most Windows 11 users, upgrading to version 25H2 should be a routine step. The update is free, and eligible PCs can install it through Windows Update. Still, even a relatively minor operating system upgrade can create problems for people who depend on older printers, specialized business software, VPN tools, security applications, or other hardware with limited driver support.
That does not make staying on Windows 11 24H2 the safer option. Once support ends in October, Microsoft will stop providing monthly security and quality updates for the Home and Pro editions. A PC will not suddenly become unsafe on the deadline, but the risk will increase as newly discovered vulnerabilities go unpatched.
For home users, that could mean greater exposure on a computer used for banking, shopping, email, or storing personal files. For businesses, unsupported systems can create broader problems involving compliance requirements, cyber insurance policies, remote access, and the security of connected corporate networks.
Users can check their current version by opening Settings > System > About and looking under Windows specifications. Those still running Windows 11 24H2 should then open Settings > Windows Update to see whether version 25H2 is available.
Before installing the update, users should back up important files, install any available driver and firmware updates, and confirm that critical software supports 25H2. Businesses should also test the release on a small group of devices before rolling it out across the organization.
Consumers still have time to plan the move, but IT teams should not wait until October to begin. Testing applications, checking hardware compatibility, preparing backups, and scheduling a staged deployment now can reduce the chances of a rushed upgrade disrupting work later.
Related reading: For older PCs that don’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, ChromeOS Flex may be an alternative, but it’s worth reviewing the compatibility, applications, and security considerations before replacing Windows.