Windows 11 24H2 End of Support: How to Upgrade to 26H2 for Free (Without Losing Files)

Last updated: October 26, 2026

Your laptop still turns on, Chrome still opens, and nothing looks broken. But if it runs Windows 11 version 24H2 Home or Pro, something important quietly stopped on October 13, 2026: Microsoft sent its last security update to it. From November onwards, new Windows security holes will be fixed on newer versions, but not on yours.

The good news: fixing this is free, usually takes one restart, and does not touch your files or apps. This guide explains what Windows 11 24H2 end of support means, how to check if your PC is affected, and how to upgrade to 26H2 (or 25H2) safely.

Quick answer: Open Settings > Windows Update, turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they're available, click Check for updates and install the version update you're offered. It's a small download, needs one restart, and Windows 11 Home and Pro on 26H2 are supported until October 2028.

What does "Windows 11 24H2 end of support" mean?

Every Windows 11 version (24H2, 25H2, 26H2 and so on) gets updates for a fixed period. For Home and Pro editions that period is 24 months. Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reached the end of that period on October 13, 2026.

The October 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5127648 (OS build 26100.9711), was the final monthly update for these editions. In Microsoft's own words, after this date these devices "will no longer receive monthly security and non-security preview updates."

In plain language:

• Your PC keeps working. Nothing gets deleted, locked or switched off.
• New security fixes stop. Any vulnerability found from now on stays open on 24H2 Home and Pro.
• Bug fixes stop too, including fixes for Wi-Fi, printing or audio problems.
• Enterprise and Education are different. 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions keep getting updates until October 2027, so office PCs managed by an IT team are usually fine for another year.

This is not the same as the end of Windows 10 support. You don't need a new PC or a paid plan. You just need a newer version of the same Windows 11.

Step 1: Check which Windows 11 version you have

It takes ten seconds:

1. Press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter.
2. Look at the second line, for example "Version 24H2 (OS Build 26100.9711)".

You can also go to Settings > System > About and check Version and Edition under Windows specifications.

• Version 24H2, edition Home or Pro (build 26100.x): you're affected. Upgrade now.
• Version 25H2 (build 26200.x): supported until October 2027. Upgrading to 26H2 is optional but gives you a year more.
• Version 26H2 (build 26300.x): you're on the latest version. Nothing to do.
• Version 26H1 (build 28000.x): this is a special version for new Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA RTX Spark laptops. It is not affected and won't be offered 26H2.

25H2 or 26H2: which one should you upgrade to?

Both are free and both install the same quick way. The difference is how long they stay supported (Home and Pro editions):

• Windows 11 24H2: support ended October 13, 2026
• Windows 11 25H2: supported until October 12, 2027
• Windows 11 26H2: supported until October 10, 2028

Microsoft started rolling out 26H2 on September 29, 2026. Like 25H2, it is built on the same code base as 24H2, so apps and drivers that work on 24H2 should work on 26H2. That's why the upgrade is so small: most of the new version is already on your PC, waiting to be switched on.

Our recommendation: if Windows Update offers 26H2, take it. You get two full years of updates and won't have to think about this again until 2028. If only 25H2 is offered, that's fine too; you can move to 26H2 later in the same quick way.

Before you upgrade: a 5-minute safety checklist

A version update rarely causes problems, but these habits cost nothing:

• Back up important files to OneDrive, Google Drive or an external drive.
• Save your BitLocker recovery key if your drive is encrypted. Here's how to find your BitLocker recovery key.
• Plug in the charger on a laptop.
• Keep at least 10 GB free on the C: drive.
• Install pending updates first and restart once.

Step 2: Upgrade from 24H2 to 26H2 (or 25H2) using Windows Update

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they're available.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If you see Download and install under a message like "Windows 11, version 26H2 is available" (or 25H2), click it.
5. When it finishes, click Restart now. The restart usually takes only a few minutes.
6. Run winver again to confirm the new version.

Because this is an "enablement package", Microsoft says installing it is similar to installing a normal monthly update. Your files, apps and settings stay exactly where they are.

What if Windows Update doesn't offer the upgrade?

Microsoft rolls out new versions in phases, so not every PC sees it on day one. If you don't see it:

• Wait for automatic upgrade. Microsoft says unmanaged 24H2 Home and Pro PCs will be upgraded to a supported version automatically. You'll still be able to choose when to restart.
• Install all pending updates, restart, and check again.
• Check for a compatibility hold. If Microsoft has found a problem with a driver or app on your PC, it may hold the update until it's fixed. This protects you, so don't force it on a work PC.
• Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft's official Windows 11 download page. It upgrades your PC to the latest version Microsoft currently offers while keeping files and apps.
• Update stuck or failing? Follow our guide to fix Windows Update stuck or failing.

Work laptop? If your PC is managed by your company (Intune, WSUS or a domain), don't change update settings yourself. Your IT team controls the version, and 24H2 Enterprise is still supported until October 2027.

Known issues in the October 2026 update

Microsoft has listed a few known issues with KB5127648. Most home users won't see them, but it's good to know:

• Smart App Control: on some PCs where it was turned off earlier, it may not turn back on from Windows Security.
• Enterprise Wi-Fi (WPA2-Enterprise / 802.1X): some devices may fail to connect to office Wi-Fi that uses PEAP sign-in.
• Remote Desktop: non-administrator users may see error 0xC000000D when connecting.

The October update also fixed several older problems, including black screens in Azure Virtual Desktop, Always On VPN connection issues, mouse stutter in games and Windows Hello fingerprint sign-in failing after a cold boot.

What happens if you stay on 24H2?

Nothing dramatic happens today. But each month, Microsoft fixes new security holes in Windows, and attackers study those fixes to find PCs that didn't get them. An unpatched PC is an easy target for malware, ransomware and browser-based attacks, especially if you use it for online banking, UPI or office work.

Since the upgrade is free and fast, there's no real reason to stay. If your PC also feels sluggish after upgrading, try our 12 fixes for a slow Windows 11 PC.

FAQ

Will my Windows 11 24H2 PC stop working after October 13, 2026?

No. It keeps working normally. It just stops receiving security and bug-fix updates, which makes it less safe over time.

Is the upgrade from 24H2 to 26H2 free?

Yes. It's a free update through Windows Update for any PC already running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2.

Will I lose my files or apps?

No. The upgrade keeps your files, apps and settings. A backup is still a good habit before any big update.

How long does the upgrade take?

Usually a few minutes plus one restart, because 26H2 and 25H2 install as a small enablement package on top of 24H2.

Does this affect Windows 11 Enterprise or Education?

Not yet. Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions are supported until October 2027.

I have a new Snapdragon X2 laptop with version 26H1. Do I need to do anything?

No. 26H1 is a separate version for those devices and is still supported. It won't be offered 26H2.

Bottom line: if winver says 24H2 and you use Home or Pro, open Windows Update today and move to 26H2. One restart buys you two more years of security updates.