The Windows 11 24H2 end of support date is 13 October 2026 — and with that deadline now within sight, every Home and Pro user running version 24H2 needs a clear upgrade plan. Once support ends, Microsoft will stop delivering security patches, meaning any unpatched vulnerability discovered after that date stays open indefinitely on your machine.
What Is the Windows 11 24H2 End of Support Date?
According to the Microsoft Windows 11 Home and Pro Lifecycle page, version 24H2 reaches end of servicing on 13 October 2026 for Home and Pro editions. That aligns with Microsoft’s standard 24-month support window for consumer Windows releases — version 24H2 shipped on 1 October 2024, giving it exactly two years of active support.
To put it in perspective, Windows 11 version 23H2 already hit its Windows 11 end of support milestone on 11 November 2025, leaving users on that build without updates right now. The 24H2 deadline follows the same pattern, just 11 months later.
Why the 24H2 Support Deadline Matters
The 24H2 support deadline is not just a calendar note — it is a hard security boundary. After 13 October 2026, Microsoft will publish no further cumulative updates, no emergency out-of-band patches, and no zero-day fixes for Home and Pro machines still on version 24H2. Here is what that exposure looks like in practice:
- No security patches — every vulnerability found after the deadline goes unaddressed on your device.
- No bug fixes — stability issues, driver conflicts, and printing or networking bugs will not be resolved through Windows Update.
- Compliance risk — businesses bound by GDPR, PCI-DSS, or ISO 27001 cannot legally run unpatched operating systems on machines that handle personal or payment data.
- Antivirus gap — some third-party security suites begin dropping support for end-of-life Windows builds within 6–12 months of the EOL date.
- Software compatibility — newer applications and browser engines start requiring a supported OS build, so software may begin refusing to install or update.
What Happens to Your PC on Day One After Support Ends?
Nothing dramatic happens on 14 October 2026 — your PC will not shut down, and your files will not disappear. Windows 11 24H2 will continue to boot and run normally. What changes is invisible but significant: Microsoft’s servers will stop serving updates to that build. Your Windows Update page will show no available updates, and the OS will gradually fall behind on security hardening as the months pass.
Think of it like driving a car that the manufacturer has stopped making parts for. It works fine today, but the moment something breaks or a vulnerability is discovered, there is no official fix coming.
How to Upgrade from Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2
Moving from Windows 11 24H2 to version 25H2 (the Windows 11 2025 Update) is a straightforward in-place upgrade — you keep all your files, settings, and installed apps. Microsoft began rolling out 25H2 on 30 September 2025, and it is available through standard Windows Update channels.
Option 1: Windows Update (Recommended)
This is the simplest route and works for the vast majority of Home and Pro users:
- Open Settings → Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If 25H2 is ready for your device, you will see “Windows 11 2025 Update” listed — click Download and install.
- Restart when prompted. The upgrade typically completes in 20–40 minutes depending on your hardware.
If you do not see 25H2 yet, Microsoft uses a staged rollout. You can trigger it manually by visiting the Windows 11 download page on Microsoft’s site and running the Installation Assistant.
Option 2: Manual ISO Install
If Windows Update is not offering 25H2 on your device, download the official ISO from Microsoft’s software download page. Boot from the media or mount the ISO in File Explorer and run setup.exe. Select “Keep personal files and apps” during setup and the installer will handle the rest without touching your data.
Windows 11 24H2 vs 25H2: What Changes?
Beyond staying on a supported build, upgrading from Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 brings a range of improvements worth knowing about:
- Expanded Copilot+ features — Click to Do, Recall improvements, and enhanced live captions are now available on more hardware configurations.
- Improved File Explorer — a refreshed home page, smarter search suggestions, and better integration with OneDrive.
- Taskbar phone link — deeper integration with Android and iOS devices directly from the taskbar.
- Security hardening — Smart App Control improvements and updated Windows Hello credential management.
- Performance tweaks — boot time and RAM management refinements, particularly on devices with 16 GB or more of memory.
Do You Need a New Licence to Upgrade?
No — if your PC is already running a genuine, activated copy of Windows 11, upgrading from 24H2 to 25H2 is completely free. Your existing licence carries over automatically. The only time you need a new licence is if you are installing Windows fresh on a new PC, replacing a failed drive, or moving from Windows 10.
If you do need a genuine Windows 11 licence, ShopKeyOnline offers both OEM and Retail options at highly competitive prices. The Windows 11 Home OEM key is available from just €9.80, while the Windows 11 Pro OEM key is priced from €15.95 — both delivered instantly by email with official Microsoft download links included. OEM licences are tied to the machine they activate on, which is the right choice for a dedicated desktop or laptop you plan to keep long-term.
For users who need flexibility — perhaps you want to transfer the licence to a new PC in the future — a Windows 11 Pro Retail licence is the better fit and is also available from ShopKeyOnline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Windows 11 24H2 end of support date?
The 24H2 end of support date for Windows 11 Home and Pro editions is 13 October 2026. After that date, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates, bug fixes, or patches for devices running version 24H2. Enterprise and Education editions on the same build receive support until October 2027 due to their longer servicing channel.
Will my PC stop working after the 24H2 support deadline?
Your PC will continue to function normally after the 24H2 support deadline passes — Windows will still boot, and your files and applications will remain intact. However, your system will become progressively more vulnerable to security threats as no new patches will be issued. Microsoft may also begin showing notifications urging you to upgrade.
Does Windows 11 end of support affect my data?
Windows 11 end of support does not delete or alter your personal data. The risk is indirect: an unpatched system is more susceptible to malware and ransomware attacks that could compromise your files. Keeping backups and upgrading to a supported build are the two most effective safeguards.
Can I stay on Windows 11 24H2 after October 2026?
Technically yes, but it is strongly inadvisable for any machine connected to the internet. There are no Extended Security Update (ESU) programmes for Home and Pro editions equivalent to what Microsoft offered for Windows 7 and Windows 10. Once the Windows 11 24H2 end-of-support date passes, your only supported path is upgrading to a later version such as 25H2.
Is the upgrade from 24H2 to 25H2 free?
Yes — upgrading from Windows 11 24H2 to Windows 11 25H2 is entirely free for all licence holders. It is delivered through Windows Update and takes around 20–40 minutes to complete. You do not need to purchase a new key or re-enter your existing activation details; the upgrade preserves your licence automatically.
What if my PC cannot run Windows 11 25H2?
Windows 11 25H2 shares the same hardware requirements as earlier Windows 11 versions — TPM 2.0, a compatible 64-bit processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM. If your PC already runs 24H2, it will run 25H2. Only machines that were never eligible for Windows 11 in the first place face hardware barriers, and those users should consider a hardware upgrade or explore Windows 11 licence options for a new build.
