Windows 11 24H2 and the end of support for key Microsoft versions

If you use Windows on a daily basis, it's key to know When will the different versions stop receiving support?Because your security, stability, and productivity depend on it. Microsoft recently updated its official lifecycle schedule, and among all the changes, one of the most talked-about is the end of support for... Windows 11 24H2 scheduled for October 2026, along with the final farewell to Windows 11 SE and other products widely used in businesses and educational institutions.

Throughout 2026 we will see how Several editions of Windows 11, Office, .NET, and other key Microsoft products stop receiving patches.This means that if you don't plan your migration in advance, you could be left with systems that will still function, yes, but will be increasingly vulnerable and without technical support. Let's take a closer look at what changes, the exact dates, and what you should do to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

End of support for Windows 11 24H2: key date in October 2026

Microsoft has set a very specific date: October 4, 2026 as the end of support for Windows 11 version 24H2This edition was released on October 1, 2024, as one of the biggest updates to Windows 11, with numerous performance, security, and feature changes. By then, 24H2 will have been in circulation for almost two years and will officially enter its "end of service" phase.

In practice, this means that, Starting October 4, 2026, computers still running Windows 11 24H2 will no longer receive security updates.bug fixes and stability improvements. The system will continue to boot and be usable, but it will be frozen on that version and will become more vulnerable with each passing month. malware, exploits and targeted attacks.

Microsoft is clearly betting on a model in which users They must always be kept on the latest version of Windows 11 to maintain support. Just as happened before with Windows 11 23H2, which lost support in November 2025, the idea is to shorten the lifespan of each version and force a more consistent update schedule in homes, businesses, and educational institutions.

The company explains that the jump from Windows 11 24H2 to the next major update, identified as Windows 11 25H2It will be relatively smooth. This new version will be released as an "enablement package" on the same technological foundation, so the update will be more like installing a cumulative patch than a complete operating system reinstallation, thus reducing There stopping and potential problems.

For those who are still using older versions, Windows Update is now forcing upgrades to newer versions of Windows 11 When an edition reaches the end of service, Microsoft justifies this policy for security reasons: if your computer is left with an outdated version, the system itself will eventually download and install the newest compatible version, provided the device is suitable.

Status of Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 in the lifecycle

Within the same support schedule, Microsoft has confirmed that All editions of Windows 11 version 22H2 reached end of service on October 14, 2025.From that date onwards, no 22H2 SKU (Home, Pro, Education, etc.) receives monthly updates or critical patches.

When a build like 22H2 loses support, Windows Update automatically initiates a feature update to a later version of Windows 11 on consumer PCs and unmanaged enterprise devices (i.e., those not controlled by corporate policies). The user can choose when to restart, but the version upgrade will eventually occur to maintain compatibility.

Meanwhile, the version Windows 11 23H2 also has its own expiration dateFor the Enterprise, Education and IoT Enterprise, Microsoft has announced that support will end on November 10th 2026This comes a year later than the release of the home editions. This gives organizations that need to plan more complex migrations or test critical applications before upgrading to a later version some leeway.

The general philosophy is clear: reduce version fragmentation and keep the majority of users on one or two recent buildsIn this way, Microsoft simplifies its internal testing, concentrates support efforts, and, in theory, improves ecosystem security by having fewer possible combinations of systems and patches.

If you receive notifications on your PC warning that your version of Windows has reached end of service, the company itself recommends using the Windows 11 Installation Wizard to upgrade to the latest supported versionThis tool guides the process and helps minimize errors during the transition.

Goodbye to Windows 11 SE: the definitive end of the education edition

One of the most striking movements in the 2026 calendar is the withdrawal of support for Windows 11 SE in October of that yearThis edition was presented in 2021 with a very specific idea: to compete with ChromeOS in the K-8 educational environment (basic and secondary education in the United States) with a simplified, secure system adapted to low-cost equipment.

Windows 11 SE was designed as a A more streamlined and controlled version of Windows 11Designed for classrooms managed by IT administrators, this system allowed only pre-approved applications to run, including some traditional Win32 programs, but always with explicit authorization. The goal was to drastically limit the installation of unwanted software and provide a safer and more predictable environment for students and teachers.

To support this strategy, Microsoft collaborated with manufacturers such as Dell and HP to launch portable economic With Windows 11 SE pre-installed, it also introduced its own Surface Laptop SE, a particularly affordable device for educational institutions. On paper, the proposal aimed to correct past mistakes of attempts like "Windows 10 in S mode," which also failed to take off.

However, the reality of the market has been different. Although Microsoft emphasized in 2022 that Windows 11 SE was a key piece within the Windows strategyThe product did not generate the expected interest. In contrast, Chromebooks have remained the dominant option in many school systems, both for their ease of administration and for their smoother performance. hardware very modest.

The underlying problem is that, under the hood, Windows 11 SE continued to rely on the full Windows 11 baseThis meant that, on devices with only 4 GB of RAM and entry-level processors, the experience wasn't as smooth as promised. The system could become somewhat sluggish compared to purely cloud-based alternatives, and that worked against it.

In this context, Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 will be the last version compatible with Windows 11 SEIn other words, the education edition will not receive the upcoming 25H2 update or any new feature improvements. The official lifecycle documents specify that “support for Windows 11 SE, including software updates, technical support, and security patches, will end in October 2026.”

Educational institutions and users who still have devices with Windows 11 SE They should start thinking about migrating to other editions of Windows 11, such as Pro Education or Standard Education, to continue receiving critical patches. The systems will continue to function after 2026, but will remain unprotected against new vulnerabilities and without access to official support.

Other Microsoft products that will reach their end of support in 2026

The end of support for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 11 SE is part of a a much broader package of changes to the Microsoft product lifecycle by 2026The tech giant has detailed an extensive list that includes everything from server software and development tools to its traditional office suite.

In the area of ​​productivity, one of the most relevant points is the date of the October 13, 2026 as the end of support for Office 2021This applies to both the standard version and the Office LTSC 2021 edition for Windows and macOS. Mac They share the same expiration date, so all these variants will have a useful life of five years from their launch in October 2021.

Unlike Windows 11, where upgrading to newer versions is usually free for valid licenses, There is no free upgrade option for Office 2021When the end-of-support date arrives, the applications will still launch and be usable, but there will no longer be security patches, bug fixes, or technical support. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Office 2024 or to the subscription of Microsoft 365 to continue receiving maintenance and improvements.

In addition to Office, other systems will also be affected. essential components for developers and system administratorsIn 2026, Microsoft will stop releasing updates for .NET 8 (LTS), .NET 9 and PowerShell 7.4 (LTS)This places the end of support date around November. This forces development teams to plan the migration of their projects to later versions of .NET and PowerShell to avoid being left on unpatched platforms.

Within the server environment, the closure of extended support (ESU) has also been set for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 in October 2026After years of extensions and extended security updates, these versions will finally be de-maintained, forcing organizations to upgrade their infrastructure to more modern editions of Windows Server or cloud alternatives.

Official calendar: products being retired or ending support in 2026

Microsoft's official lifecycle documentation centrally compiles all products that will be retired or reach end of support in 2026Once a product enters that phase, security updates, functional improvements, and any form of assisted support, whether free or paid, are completely stopped.

In the products section under the heading “modern directiveThe list includes, among others, the following milestones with their technical support end dates:

• Dynamics 365 Business Central on-premises (modern policy), 2024 release 2, version 25.x, with end of support on April 4, 2026.
• .NET 9, whose end of support is scheduled for May 12, 2026.
• Microsoft Configuration Manager, version 2409, with end of support on June 6, 2026.
• Dynamics 365 Business Central on-premises (modern directive), version 1 release of 2025, version 26.x, and Windows 11 Home and Pro, version 24H2, both with end of support on October 13, 2026.
• Azure IoT Edge, version 1.5 (LTS), .NET 8 (LTS), PowerShell 7.4 (LTS), Windows 11 Enterprise and Education, version 23H2, and Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, version 23H2, all with end of support on November 10, 2026.

In parallel, Microsoft distinguishes another group of “products that reach the end of support” under the fixed life cycle directiveThis section details specific versions that will no longer receive updates. It also lists "products transitioning to extended support," a stage that includes only free security patches, non-security updates under contract, and paid support.

During extended support, Microsoft no longer accepts requests for new features or design changesThe product is maintained only with the bare minimum to avoid discovering serious vulnerabilities, which in practice is a warning that it's advisable to plan the upgrade to the next stable version within a reasonable timeframe.

The company also points out various things in these documents. Additional changes in AzureThis includes modifications to APIs, SDKs, tools, and specific service features. To stay informed about these changes, refer to the "Azure Updates" pages, where continuous announcements about new versions, feature retirements, and expiration dates are posted.

End of support for Windows 10, 8.1 and 7: the broader context

To understand the movement surrounding Windows 11, it's helpful to look at the broader context of Microsoft's operating system. The company has been warning in advance that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025.Furthermore, there have been cases such as a sues Microsoft for ending supportFrom that day forward, there will no longer be security updates or technical support for any of its home or professional editions.

Before that, Windows 8.1 reached its end of life on January 10, 2023.From that point on, no further security patches or improvements are released, although those who still have it installed can continue using it at their own risk. Microsoft's message is clear: these systems are out of support and pose a greater risk in terms of ciberseguridad.

He traveled the same path Windows 7, whose support ended on January 14, 2020For years it was one of the most popular operating systems in history, but even with extended support programs, the company decided to end its maintenance. Without Windows Update, these computers are especially vulnerable to modern attacks, and their use is discouraged in internet-connected environments.

In all these transitions, Microsoft offers detailed information on specific support pages, where it explains What does it mean when a version of Windows is no longer supported?The report explains the security implications and available upgrade options. It also provides links to download official migration tools and to check hardware compatibility with newer versions.

In the case of Windows 11, the list of editions affected by each end-of-support date It includes Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE versions.When any of these editions reaches its end of service, the recommendation is to upgrade to the latest active build to remain protected.

Practical recommendations: why and how to update to recent versions

This whole schedule might sound overwhelming, but ultimately the message is quite straightforward: It's not a good idea to wait until your version of Windows or Office is no longer supported before thinking about upgrading.Doing it at the last minute usually results in rushing, mistakes, and, in companies, interruptions to work.

In the case of Windows 11, Microsoft highlights several reasons to stay updated: continuous security improvements, new productivity and collaboration tools, performance and interface optimizations, and clearer long-term supportEach new major version incorporates changes that, beyond aesthetics, affect how data is protected and compatibility with recent software and hardware.

On a technical level, it is also important to understand concepts such as el Boot Secure Boot and the TPMwhich are part of the minimum requirements for Windows 11; and in specific situations, security warnings may arise, such as that BitLocker asks for recovery keySecure Boot helps ensure that only trusted, signed software is loaded during computer startup, while the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip provides encryption and security features. storage key insurance.

If you have any doubts about whether your computer can keep up with these updates, You can check system compatibility using official Microsoft toolsThe company offers utilities that check the processor, memory, storage, firmware, TPM, and other elements to indicate whether the device is compatible with Windows 11 and its future builds.

As for the upgrade process itself, you have several options supported by Microsoft: Let Windows Update handle automatic updates, use the media creation tool for a more controlled installation, or perform a clean installation from scratch.Each method has its advantages depending on whether you want to preserve your data and applications, or prefer a completely clean environment.

Planning when to perform the update is also important. For personal computers, it's common to take advantage of times when you don't urgently need your PCThe process can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the hardware and data volume. In business and educational environments, it is recommended to establish a phased deployment schedule, testing first in a small group before rolling out the new version to the rest.

In any case, it is worth remembering that, If your computer does not meet the Windows 11 requirementsIt's not the end of the world, but it is an indication that the hardware is becoming outdated. You can continue using Windows 10 until its end of support in 2025, or consider upgrading your device to one that's ready for the coming years.

This entire schedule of changes—from the End of support for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 11 SE in October 2026 The upcoming retirement of Office 2021, .NET 8 and 9, PowerShell 7.4, and older versions of Windows paints a clear roadmap: Microsoft wants to reduce reliance on outdated software and keep its ecosystem moving forward. Keeping these dates in mind, reviewing which versions you're using, and planning your migration in advance is the best way to continue working securely and smoothly on your devices.

Related article:

What happens if you stay on Windows 10 after the end of support?

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.