Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro no longer get security fixes: what to do

Windows 11 does not stay the same for ever. Each year Microsoft releases a new version, and each version is supported for a fixed time. On 13 October 2026, Windows 11 version 24H2 reached the end of support for the Home and Pro editions. The October update was its last.

What "end of support" means

Your computer will keep working normally. Nothing is switched off. But Microsoft no longer sends security fixes for that version. Every month new flaws are found (October's update fixed more than 1,400), and computers that stay on 24H2 Home or Pro will not receive the fixes for them. Over time that makes them easier targets for malware and attacks.

Enterprise and Education editions of 24H2 are supported for another year, until October 2027, so most work and school computers managed by an IT team are not affected yet.

Step 1: check your version

1. Press the Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter.
2. A small window shows something like "Version 24H2" or "Version 25H2" and your edition.

Alternatively, open Settings, then System, then About, and look under Windows specifications.

Step 2: move to a supported version

If you are on 24H2 Home or Pro, the fix is usually quick, because the newer version 25H2 is built on the same foundation:

1. Open Settings and choose Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. If you see an offer to update to Windows 11 version 25H2 (or newer), choose Download and install.
4. Restart when asked. Your files and apps stay where they are.

Before any big update it is sensible to back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage. Microsoft may also move eligible home computers to a supported version automatically, but it is better not to wait.

If the update does not appear

• Make sure you have installed all other pending updates and restarted.
• Check you have enough free space (at least 20 GB is a good target).
• Wait a day and check again; updates are sometimes rolled out in stages.
• If your computer cannot run a newer version, seek help from someone you trust, or a reputable repair shop, rather than an unexpected caller who "noticed a problem". Fake tech support calls often use news like this.

For IT staff

Run an inventory for devices on 24H2 Home or Pro, especially personal or bring-your-own devices that connect to work systems. Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education also reach the end of updates in November 2026. Our note on patch management covers how to plan this kind of upgrade.

Sources

• Pureinfotech: Windows 11 24H2 reaches end of support on October 13, 2026
• BleepingComputer: Microsoft October 2026 Patch Tuesday