Windows 11 24H2: Support Ends October 13 — What to Do

Windows 11 24H2 for Home and Pro editions no longer receives updates: Microsoft ended support for this version on October 13, 2026. This does not mean your computer suddenly stopped working or became “full of security holes” overnight, but monthly security fixes are no longer being released for it. Below is who this affects, how to check your version in a minute, and how to upgrade for free.

What Exactly Happened

Microsoft announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 for Home and Pro “reached the end of servicing” on October 13, 2026. After this date, such devices no longer receive monthly security updates or optional quality updates, fixes for known issues, time zone updates, or technical support.

The final update for 24H2 was the October KB5127648 update from October 13. According to Windows Latest, the 24H2 build after it is 26100.9711 (for comparison: 25H2 — 26200.9711, 26H2 — 26300.9711).

Who Is Affected by the End of Support

This specifically affects users of Windows 11 Home and Pro running version 24H2. Enterprise and Education editions of 24H2 remain supported for another year — until October 12, 2027. So if your PC is managed by the IT department of a company or educational institution, the decision is up to them.

If you are already on version 25H2, you do not need to do anything: according to Windows Central, it is supported until October 2027.

What Happens If You Stay on Windows 11 24H2

Nothing catastrophic happens on the first day. As TechRepublic notes, a computer does not become unsafe on the day support ends, but the risk increases with every new vulnerability for which a fix is no longer released. This is most noticeable for people who use banking services, email and sensitive data.

The practical conclusion is simple: upgrading to 25H2 is free, quick and, according to Windows Central, does not involve complicated steps, so there is little reason to postpone it. The exception is a PC that relies on mission-critical software that does not yet support the new version: check that first.

How to Check Your Windows Version

There are three ways — choose whichever is more convenient.

1. The winver window. Press Win+R, enter winver and press Enter. The window will show a line such as “Version 24H2” and the build number.

2. Settings. “Settings” → “System” → “About” → “Windows specifications” → “Version”.

3. PowerShell or Registry. Open PowerShell and run:

(Get-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion').DisplayVersion

The command will output, for example, 24H2 or 25H2. The same information can be found in the Registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion, value DisplayVersion. The build number is shown by the CurrentBuild and UBR values: for 24H2 after the October update, 26100.9711 is expected.

How to Upgrade from Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2

Versions 24H2 and 25H2 share the same code base, so the update is small and is more like “turning on” new features than performing a full operating system reinstall.

1. Back up important files.
2. Install driver and firmware updates (especially for the graphics card and chipset).
3. Open “Settings” → “Windows Update” and click “Check for updates”.
4. If the PC is ready, you will see an offer to download and install Windows 11 version 25H2 — click “Download and install”.
5. Restart the computer when convenient: on unmanaged home PCs, Windows will offer the update automatically, while you choose the restart time yourself.
6. Check the result with the command from the previous section: it should now show 25H2.

If you prefer to wait, Windows Central notes that you can move directly to 26H2 when it reaches your PC. New versions are rolled out in stages, so the offer does not appear for everyone at the same time.

What Is New in the October Update

The October update (KB5127648) from October 13 is mandatory and includes everything from the optional September 22 update. Below are the main changes according to Windows Latest testing; some features are rolling out gradually, so they may not appear immediately.

• File Explorer: preview works again for PDFs and other non-HTML files downloaded from the internet. For HTML files, a warning is shown with a “Preview anyway” button.
• Copilot key: it can be reassigned in “Settings” → “Bluetooth & devices” → “Keyboard” — to the context menu, search or an app.
• Accessibility: a new option to open apps maximized to full screen (“Settings” → “Accessibility” → “Visual effects”).
• Touchpad: one-finger vertical scrolling.
• Emoji 17.0: new emoji in the system.
• Removed: PC-to-PC transfer; Microsoft recommends OneDrive-based Windows Backup.
• Fixes: File History backup, built-in camera errors, Bluetooth issues and domain trust problems after the September emergency update.

What to Do If 25H2 Is Not Offered

Calmly check the basics: restart the PC after the latest updates, make sure there is enough free space on the system drive, and click “Check for updates” again. Sometimes Microsoft temporarily blocks an update for devices with known driver compatibility issues — in that case, updating drivers from the laptop or component manufacturer may help. This is a general practice; the cited sources do not provide a separate instruction for this specific case.

In Brief: The Key Points

• Windows 11 24H2 (Home and Pro) lost support on October 13, 2026: there are no more security updates or technical support
• Enterprise and Education on 24H2 are supported until October 12, 2027
• The PC does not become unsafe instantly, but the risk increases over time
• Check the version with winver or DisplayVersion in PowerShell/Registry
• Upgrading to 25H2 is free: “Settings” → “Windows Update” → “Check for updates”
• The October KB5127648 update restores PDF preview in File Explorer and allows the Copilot key to be reassigned (according to Windows Latest testing)

FAQ

Is it true that Windows 11 24H2 support has ended? Yes, for Home and Pro — on October 13, 2026. Enterprise and Education remain supported until October 12, 2027.

Will the computer stop working? No. It will continue to work, but without monthly security fixes, fixes for known issues and technical support.

How do I find out which Windows version I have? Press Win+R and enter winver. Or run (Get-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion').DisplayVersion in PowerShell.

Is the upgrade to 25H2 paid? No, it is free. It installs over 24H2 through Windows Update.

Should I wait for 26H2? According to Windows Central, you can wait and upgrade directly to 26H2 when it is offered. But you should not postpone for too long, because 24H2 no longer receives security updates.

Will I lose my files after the upgrade? This is an in-place upgrade, so files and applications are preserved. Still, it is worth making a backup before any major update.