Windows 11 24H2 Support Ends Oct 13: How to Upgrade to 25H2

Key Takeaway: Your PC will not stop working on October 13, but it will stop getting monthly security fixes if it is still on 24H2 Home or Pro. Check your version with winver, upgrade to 25H2 through Windows Update, and only look at repair options if the upgrade does not appear.

What is happening on October 13, 2026?

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions reach end of updates on October 13, 2026. After that date, those PCs no longer receive monthly security and quality updates.

This is part of Microsoft's normal support cycle. Each Windows 11 version gets 24 months of support for consumer editions and 36 months for business editions. Because 24H2 launched in 2024, the consumer window is now closing.

Who is affected by the 24H2 deadline?

Most people reading this have a Home or Pro PC, so the Home and Pro rows are the ones that matter.

Step 1: Check which Windows 11 version you have

Before changing anything, confirm that you are actually on 24H2.

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Type winver and press Enter.
3. Read the line that says Version.

You can also go to Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications.

If it says 24H2, continue to Step 2. If it says 25H2, you are already on the newer version and no action is needed for this deadline.

Step 2: Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2

1. Save your work and close your apps.
2. Open Settings > Windows Update.
3. Select Check for updates.
4. If you see Download and install under Windows 11, version 25H2, select it.
5. Restart when Windows asks you to.
6. Run winver again to confirm it now says 25H2.

25H2 is built on the same platform as 24H2, and Microsoft delivers it as a small update through an enablement package. For most PCs, that makes it a much lighter job than a full Windows reinstall.

Will Windows upgrade my PC automatically?

Often, yes. Microsoft says 24H2 Home and Pro PCs that are not managed by an IT department will be upgraded to 25H2 automatically. You can still postpone the update and choose when to restart.

Do not assume it will happen before October 13, though. If you want to be sure, check Windows Update yourself.

What if 25H2 does not appear in Windows Update?

Microsoft only shows the 25H2 option when a device is ready for it. If you do not see it, try these steps in order:

1. Install any pending updates, then restart.
2. Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates again.
3. Make sure your PC is connected to the internet and has enough free storage.
4. If the update starts but stalls, see our guide on Windows 11 update stuck at 0%.
5. If it still does not appear, check Microsoft's official Windows 11 download page for an installer.

What happens if you stay on 24H2 after October 13?

Your PC will keep starting and your apps will keep working. What changes is that Microsoft stops sending monthly security and quality updates for 24H2 Home and Pro.

Standard Home and Pro PCs on 24H2 are also not eligible for Extended Security Updates, so the fix is to move to a supported Windows 11 version, not to buy extra time.

Pro Tip: If you bank, shop or work on the PC, treat October 13 as a real deadline. New security flaws found after that date will not be patched on 24H2 Home or Pro.

5-minute 24H2 checklist

1. Press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter.
2. Check whether the version says 24H2 or 25H2.
3. If it says 24H2, open Settings > Windows Update.
4. Select Check for updates.
5. Install Windows 11, version 25H2 when it is offered.
6. Restart the PC.
7. Run winver again to confirm the new version.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as the Windows 10 deadline?

No. This deadline applies only to Windows 11 PCs still running the 24H2 release. Windows 10 follows a separate support timeline.

Will I lose my files or apps?

The 25H2 upgrade is an update to the same Windows 11 installation, not a clean reinstall. It is still smart to back up important files before any major update.

Is 25H2 free?

Microsoft delivers it through Windows Update like other Windows 11 updates, and I did not find any announced fee for eligible 24H2 PCs.

Final thoughts

The Windows 11 24H2 deadline is easy to handle if you do it now. Check your version, open Windows Update and install 25H2 before October 13.

If the upgrade does not show up, work through the simple fixes first: pending updates, a restart, internet and storage. Save the more advanced repair steps for the cases where those do not work.

Sources and limits: This guide was reviewed on October 9, 2026 against Microsoft's end-of-updates notice as reported by BleepingComputer, Windows Central, TechRepublic and Make Tech Easier. Microsoft may change dates, wording or upgrade behavior, so confirm the latest details on Microsoft's Windows release health and lifecycle pages. This article is general guidance and cannot account for every PC configuration.

Hardeep Singh

Hardeep Singh is the founder and editor of Panstag, an independent technology publication covering AI, Google, software, creator tools, blogging, SEO, and digital publishing. He researches technology updates, tests products and features where practical, and uses primary sources to help readers understand what changed and what to do next. About Author.