Microsoft Ends Support for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro on October 13, 2026

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions starting October 13, 2026. This version, released on October 1, 2024, will no longer receive monthly security patches, issue fixes, or technical support after that date. However, Enterprise and Education editions will continue to be supported until October 12, 2027.

Users on Windows 11 24H2 can upgrade to the next versions, 25H2 or 26H2, through a small enablement package that activates existing features on their PC. Microsoft recommends installing the 26H2 update, released on September 29, 2026, which extends support until October 10, 2028. Users can check for updates in the Windows Update settings and install the upgrade before the October 13 deadline.

For Windows 10 users, the operating system itself lost support on October 14, 2025. However, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers critical security patches for Windows 10 version 22H2. Initially set to end on October 13, 2026, Microsoft extended the program to October 12, 2027. Users can enroll in the ESU program for free by backing up their PC settings to a Microsoft account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or for a one-time fee of USD 30 plus tax.

The ESU program is particularly important for PCs that cannot run Windows 11 due to hardware requirements, such as the need for a TPM 2.0 security chip, UEFI firmware, 4GB of RAM, and a compatible 64-bit processor. In Kenya, Windows 10 is less common, with 20.7% of Windows desktop traffic compared to 27.83% worldwide, while Windows 11 dominates with 79.1% in Kenya versus 71.44% globally.