Microsoft support for Windows 11 version 24H2 is ending in October 2026. Your devices won’t suddenly stop working, but once a Windows version reaches end of support, it stops receiving the security and quality updates that keep it safe, compliant, and supported.
If you’re running 24H2 on any devices, the simple message is: plan to move those devices to a supported Windows 11 release (e.g., 25H2) as part of your normal patching and lifecycle management.
What is “Windows 11 version 24H2”?
Windows 11 gets feature updates that are identified by a version label.24H2 means the second major feature release in 2024 (“H2” = second half of the year).
Each version has a servicing window. During that window, Microsoft ships:
- Security updates (patches)
- Quality/reliability updates
- Fixes and support coverage for that specific version
When that window ends, the version reaches end of support (sometimes called “end of servicing”).
When is it happening?
October 2026 is the expected end-of-support point for Windows 11 24H2.After that date:
- Devices still power on and run apps
- But they no longer receive security updates for 24H2
- Microsoft might make you to upgrade to a supported release before troubleshooting can continue.
| Edition |
End of Support |
| Home |
13 October 2026 |
| Pro |
13 October 2026 |
| Pro Education |
13 October 2026 |
| Pro for Workstations |
13 October 2026 |
| SE |
13 October 2026 (24H2 is the final supported SE release) |
| Enterprise |
13 October 2027 |
| Education |
13 October 2027 |
| Enterprise multi-session |
13 October 2027 |
Important: If you're using Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024, this is a separate product with its own lifecycle and support schedule. It is not affected by the October 2026 end-of-support date for Windows 11 Home and Pro 24H2 releases.
Does it affect me?
It affects you if any business devices are currently running Windows 11 24H2 (including laptops used for hybrid/remote work).How to find out (quick checks):
On a single device
- Go to Settings → System → About → Windows specifications
- Look for Version: 24H2
At business / fleet level (recommended)
- Use your endpoint management/reporting (e.g., Intune / endpoint management tooling, RMM, device inventory reports) to list devices by Windows version.
- If you don’t already have an “OS version” report, get one set up now — it’s one of the fastest ways to avoid last‑minute surprises.
If you’re not sure how to pull that report, we can help you identify exactly which devices are in scope and what upgrade path makes sense.
What should I do if it does?
Treat this like a normal lifecycle milestone, but don’t leave it too late.
Recommended next steps:
1. Identify affected devices
- Build a list of devices running 24H2 (and who uses them)
2. Confirm upgrade readiness
- Check disk space, hardware compatibility, and app compatibility (especially line-of-business apps, security tooling, VPNs, printing, and any legacy drivers)
3. Plan a phased upgrade
- Pilot a small group first (IT + a few typical users)
- Roll out by department/site in waves
- Schedule around peak business periods
4. Upgrade to a supported version
- Move to the next supported Windows 11 feature release in your environment (for many orgs this will be Windows 11 25H2, subject to your update rings and policies)
5. Keep it documented
- For security and compliance, keep a record of what’s upgraded, what’s deferred, and why
Why it matters: once a version is out of support, you’re exposed to avoidable risk (unpatched vulnerabilities), and you can run into compliance and vendor-support issues.
How can I stay ahead of these things in future?
Windows support deadlines shouldn’t come as a surprise. With professional patch management, updates are planned, tested and rolled out in controlled stages rather than left until a deadline is already looming.
A managed approach can help your business:
- Keep track of operating system and application updates
- Use patch rings and agreed maintenance windows
- Control deferrals and approvals
- Report on patch compliance across your devices
- Identify failed updates and remediate them promptly
- Highlight unsupported systems before they become a bigger risk
- Keep a clear record of what has been updated and what still needs attention
Monitoring is just as important. Endpoint and server monitoring can spot health issues, performance problems, service failures and devices that have stopped reporting. Alerts can then be turned into tickets, assigned to the right people and followed through to resolution — rather than disappearing into someone’s inbox.
That means you’re not simply reacting when Microsoft announces an end-of-support date. You have an ongoing view of your environment, with early warnings when devices drift out of compliance, updates fail or older systems need a proper upgrade plan.
For many businesses, that is the real benefit of professional patch management and monitoring: fewer last-minute scrambles, clearer priorities and more confidence that the devices people rely on are secure, supported and working as they should.
Want a a quick check of your estate and a simple upgrade plan?
Get in touch with your One2Call Account Manager, or book a quick consultation here.