Summary & Key Takeaway
Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro no longer receive security updates.
The 24-month support period for Home and Pro has ended.
Back up your files and upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 or 26H2.
Quick Answer
Microsoft says Windows 11 version 24H2 reached the end of updates for Home and Pro editions on October 13, 2026. Your PC will still turn on and run your apps. It just won’t get new security fixes anymore.
The fix is simple. Move to Windows 11 version 25H2 or 26H2. Open Settings, go to Windows Update, and click Check for updates. If the new version doesn’t show up, use Microsoft’s own Installation Assistant. Back up your files first.
What “end of support” really means
Every Windows 11 version gets updates for a fixed time. For Home and Pro, that is 24 months. When the time runs out, Microsoft stops sending security patches for that version.
Nothing breaks on the day it ends. Your files are still there and your apps still open. The risk grows slowly. New security holes are found every month, and a PC on an old version never gets the fix. That matters most if you bank online, shop online, or open email attachments.
Work and school PCs (Enterprise and Education editions) get longer support, and an IT team usually looks after them. This guide is for personal PCs.
Version 25H2 is supported until October 12, 2027 for Home and Pro. Version 26H2, the 2026 update, is also out and is rolling out to PCs that run 24H2 and 25H2.
1. Check which version you have
Press the Windows key + R. Type winver and press Enter. A small window opens. Look at the line that says Version.
- 24H2: you need to upgrade. - 25H2 or 26H2: you are fine. - 23H2 or older: you need to upgrade too. Those versions ended even earlier.
2. Back up your files
An upgrade through Windows keeps your files, but things can go wrong, so take five minutes for a backup. Copy Documents, Desktop, Pictures and Downloads to an external drive or a cloud folder. If you use OneDrive, check that the cloud icon in the taskbar says everything is synced. Also make sure your browser is signed in to sync, so your passwords and bookmarks are safe.
3. Free up space
Keep at least 20 GB free on your C: drive. Open Settings, go to System, then Storage. Click Temporary files, tick the things you don’t need (like the Recycle Bin and Delivery Optimization Files), and remove them. If you’re on a laptop, plug in the charger. Unplug USB drives, printers and anything else you don’t need right now.
4. Check for the update
Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. If you see a feature update for Windows 11 version 25H2 or 26H2, click Download and install. Microsoft is also pushing 25H2 to many Home and Pro PCs on its own, so yours may already be waiting.
Your PC will restart a few times. The whole thing can take 30 to 90 minutes. Don’t turn it off.
5. If the update doesn’t show up, use Microsoft’s tools
Go to the Windows 11 download page on microsoft.com. You have two options.
The Installation Assistant is the easiest. Download it, run it, and follow the steps. It upgrades Windows and keeps your files and apps.
The ISO file also works. Download the Windows 11 disk image, right-click it, and choose Mount. Open the new drive that appears and run setup.exe. When it asks, pick Keep personal files and apps.
Only download from microsoft.com. Search ads often lead to fake download pages.
6. Check everything after the upgrade
- Press Windows + R, type winver, and confirm the new version. - Go back to Windows Update and click Check for updates again. There is usually a monthly update waiting. - Right-click the Start button, open Device Manager, and look for yellow warning icons. If you see one, update that driver. - Open Windows Security and make sure virus protection is on. - Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sound and your printer.
Windows lets you go back to your old version for 10 days. You’ll find it under Settings > System > Recovery > Go back. Once you’re sure everything works, you can clear the old files from Storage > Temporary files to get your space back.
If the update fails
The usual causes are low disk space, old drivers, third-party antivirus, or damaged update files. Follow our guide: How to Fix Windows 11 Update Stuck at a Percentage or Failing With Error 0x80004005 (/article/windows-11-update-stuck-fix-0x80004005).
Which one: 25H2 or 26H2?
Both are supported. If Windows Update offers you one, take it. You don’t need to hunt for the newest number. 25H2 has been out longer, and 26H2 is the newer release. For a PC you rely on for work, whichever one Windows Update offers first is a fine choice.
