Microsoft announced on Wednesday that systems running Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 24H2 will stop receiving updates in three months.
However, as the company explains on its support website, Enterprise and Education editions will remain under mainstream support until October 12, 2027.
“On October 13, 2026, Windows 11, version 24H2 Home and Pro editions, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will reach end of updates,” Microsoft warned yesterday in a message center update.
“After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and non-security preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats.”
Customers are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 (also known as the Windows 11 2025 Update), which became generally available in September 2024 as a minor update installed on version 24H2 through an enablement package.
Devices running Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro that aren’t managed by IT departments will receive the Windows 11 25H2 update automatically, but they’ll still be able to postpone the update or choose when to restart.
“If you have an eligible Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, you can check whether the update is available by selecting Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates. If your device is ready for the update, you’ll see the option to Download and install Windows 11, version 25H2,” Microsoft added.
You can find more details about Windows servicing dates on the Windows Lifecycle FAQ page or using the Lifecycle Policy search tool. Microsoft also provides a list of products that it will retire or reach the end of support in 2025.
Microsoft also stopped rolling out security updates to devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 in November.
More recently, in June, it quietly extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year. Following this extension, Microsoft is now allowing enrolled devices to continue receiving security updates until October 12, 2027.
Security teams log 54% of successful attacks and alert on just 14%. The rest move through your environment unseen.
The Picus whitepaper shows how breach and attack simulation tests your SIEM and EDR rules so threats stop slipping by detection.
