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Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro will stop receiving security updates and technical support on October 13, 2026. If your computer is still running 24H2, now is the time to check whether the Windows 11 25H2 update is available.Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro will stop receiving security updates and technical support on October 13, 2026. If your computer is still running 24H2, now is the time to check whether the Windows 11 25H2 update is available.


Simply having Windows 11 installed does not necessarily mean your computer is running a version that will continue receiving updates.


Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach the end of updates on October 13, 2026. After that date, computers still running these editions will no longer receive monthly security updates, fixes for known issues, time-zone updates, preview updates, or technical support from Microsoft. Windows 11 version 25H2 is currently the latest generally available version.


That makes now a good time for homeowners, home-office users, and small businesses to determine which version of Windows 11 their computers are running and address any systems that have not yet moved to 25H2.


Windows 11 Has Individual Version Deadlines


Windows 11 is serviced differently from older versions of Windows that remained under the same product name for many years.


Microsoft releases periodic feature updates identified by names such as:


Each version has its own support period. A computer can therefore be running Windows 11 while still approaching the end of support for its particular version.


For most personal computers and many small-business PCs, the editions affected by the October 13 deadline are Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro running version 24H2.


What Happens After Support Ends?


A computer running Windows 11 24H2 will not suddenly stop working on October 14. It should continue to start and run normally.


The concern is what it will no longer receive.


Microsoft says unsupported versions of Windows continue to function, but no longer receive software updates, security updates, fixes, or technical support. Continuing to use an unsupported version can therefore expose the computer to increasing security and reliability risks over time.


This can be particularly important for a business computer used for:

Keeping Windows supported is only one part of protecting a computer, but it remains an important part.


How to Check Your Windows 11 Version


You can check your installed version in less than a minute.

Method 1: Use the Winver Command

  1. Press the Windows key + R.
  2. Type winver.
  3. Select OK or press Enter.
  4. Look for the version number in the window that appears.

You can also type winver into the Windows search box and select it from the results. Microsoft identifies this as a standard way to check the installed Windows version.


If the window displays Version 24H2, your Windows edition should be checked and the update to 25H2 planned before October 13.


If it displays Version 25H2, your computer is already running the latest generally available Windows 11 version.


Method 2: Use Windows Settings

You can also select:

Start > Settings > System > About

Scroll down to Windows specifications and look for the edition and version.


How to Update from Windows 11 24H2


Microsoft says eligible Home and Pro computers that are not managed by an IT department may receive Windows 11 25H2 automatically.


You can also check manually by going to:

Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates


If the computer is ready, Windows Update should display an option to download and install Windows 11 version 25H2.


Before beginning a major Windows update, it is sensible to:

  1. Back up important documents, photos, email data, and business files.
  2. Install current Windows and manufacturer driver updates.
  3. Confirm that adequate free storage space is available.
  4. Connect a laptop to power.
  5. Allow enough time for installation and restarts.
  6. Verify afterward that essential programs, printers, scanners, and network connections still work.


On computers already running 24H2, Microsoft delivers the move to 25H2 through an enablement package designed to reduce installation time and typically complete the version change with a single restart.


What If Windows 11 25H2 Is Not Offered?


Not every computer receives a feature update at exactly the same time.


An update may be delayed because of:


If Windows Update does not offer 25H2, it is usually better to determine why rather than immediately forcing the installation. Microsoft sometimes places temporary safeguard holds on computers with known hardware, driver, or software conflicts to prevent an update from creating a larger problem.


Should You Wait for Windows 11 26H2?


No?not if your computer is still running 24H2.

Microsoft is currently testing Windows 11 version 26H2 through the Windows Insider Program?s Experimental channel. It is not yet the generally available update for ordinary home and business computers. Windows 11 25H2 remains the current version users should install when offered.

Waiting for 26H2 would unnecessarily leave a 24H2 computer approaching the October support deadline.


Small Businesses Should Review Every Computer


A small business should not assume that all its Windows 11 computers are running the same version simply because they look similar or were purchased around the same time.


This is a good opportunity to create a basic computer inventory containing:


Checking systems now provides time to resolve update failures, compatibility problems, storage issues, or aging hardware before the deadline becomes urgent.


PC Pros Can Help


If your Windows 11 computer remains on version 24H2, repeatedly fails to update, or does not offer version 25H2, PC Pros can help determine the reason and recommend the safest next step.

PC Pros Computer and Network Support Services provides Windows support for small businesses, home offices, and residential customers in Virginia Beach and nearby areas.


Services can include:


To schedule assistance, call PC Pros at (757) 227-1414.


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