By rssfeeds-admin Microsoft has issued a 60-day reminder that Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, version 24H2, will reach the end of updates on October 13, 2026.
After that date, affected devices will no longer receive Microsoft’s monthly security updates or non-security preview releases, leaving systems increasingly exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities and malware activity.
The deadline applies to Windows 11 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations deployments running version 24H2.
Microsoft released the feature update on October 1, 2024, giving consumer and business-focused editions the standard 24-month servicing window under the Windows servicing model. For cybersecurity teams, the end-of-support date is more than an administrative milestone.
Monthly cumulative updates deliver patches for vulnerabilities that could enable remote code execution, privilege escalation, information disclosure, bypass of security features, and denial-of-service attacks.
Systems that remain on an unsupported release can continue to operate. However, they will not receive protection against newly identified threats. Microsoft recommends that eligible Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro devices move to Windows 11 version 25H2.
Microsoft Ends Windows 11 24H2 Home & Pro Support
The newer release remains supported for these editions until October 12, 2027, providing an additional year of monthly security and quality updates. Microsoft’s release information also lists Windows 11 25H2 as generally available since September 30, 2025.
Organizations should not confuse this deadline with the lifecycle status of Windows 11 Enterprise and Education editions. Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education devices retain support until October 12, 2027.
Reflecting the 36-month servicing period provided for those editions. This difference means IT teams need accurate device inventory data before defining upgrade priorities.
Administrators can identify affected endpoints by reviewing the Windows version and OS build through Settings, endpoint management platforms, or inventory tools. Windows 11 24H2 uses the 26100 build family, while Windows 11 25H2 uses the 26200 build family.
Asset records should also distinguish edition type, because a 24H2 Enterprise device does not face the same October 2026 deadline as a 24H2 Pro workstation.
A practical upgrade program should include compatibility testing for critical business applications, device drivers, endpoint detection and response agents, VPN clients, disk-encryption tools, and internally developed software.
Security teams should validate that update rings, Windows Update for Business policies, or Intune deployment configurations do not inadvertently block the 25H2 feature update.
Microsoft’s reminder also covers Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, which reaches the end of extended support on October 13, 2026. The company recommends migrating these systems to the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel release, Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024.
Organizations needing more time can consider Extended Security Updates, but this should be treated as a temporary risk-management measure rather than a long-term replacement for migration.
With only 60 days remaining, defenders should treat unsupported Windows versions as an emerging exposure. Completing upgrades before the deadline will help organizations preserve patch coverage and reduce the risk of threat actors exploiting unpatched Windows flaws.
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The post Microsoft to End Support for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro Editions appeared first on Cyber Security News.
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