Microsoft Pulls the Plug: Ends Support for Some Versions of Windows 11 and 10

Microsoft has updated the official pages regarding the lifecycle of its operating systems, confirming that on October 13, 2026, two distinct branches of Windows will reach their end of life. The first is Windows 11, version 24H2 in the Home and Pro editions (in addition to Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE). The second is Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, the old extended support variant designed for corporate environments requiring multi-year stability.

After this date, devices running on Windows 11 24H2 will stop receiving fixes for known bugs, time zone updates, direct technical support, and, most importantly, the monthly security patches. A PC that continues to function does not face immediate risks, but remains exposed to any vulnerabilities discovered later, without any countermeasures from Redmond.

The case of the SE version deserves a separate note: 24H2 is in fact the last release ever planned for this edition, designed for low-cost educational Chromebook alternatives, which is thus definitively exiting the development cycle. However, for Home and Pro devices not managed by IT departments, Microsoft has already set up a safety net: the upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 is automatically distributed via Windows Update.

Options for those who don’t want to be left uncovered

For those who prefer to take the initiative, they can manually check under Settings, Windows Update, by selecting "Check for updates." Version 25H2, distributed since September 30, 2025, will receive support until October 12, 2027; the more recent 26H1, released on February 10, 2026, will last until March 2028. The Enterprise and Education editions of 24H2 enjoy a one-year extension compared to their consumer counterparts, remaining covered until October 12, 2027.

For Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, the situation changes little in substance. Microsoft indicates that the preferred path is migration to Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2024, the last extended support variant of the series. Alternatively, from April 1, 2026, companies can separately purchase the Extended Security Updates, the paid program that extends the reception of critical patches beyond the natural expiration date.

These deadlines have long been written in the lifecycle tables, and it's important to remember that staying put does not freeze the PC, but leaves it exposed precisely when security patches matter most.