Windows 11 24H2 Support Ended: How to Upgrade to 25H2 or 26H2

If your laptop runs Windows 11 Home or Pro, version 24H2, it got its last security update on October 13, 2026. From November onward, Windows Update will not send new security fixes to that version. Your PC keeps working, but every new vulnerability found after October stays open on it.

The good news: moving to a supported version is free, usually quick, and keeps your files and apps. This guide shows how to check your version, how to upgrade to 25H2 or 26H2, and what to do if the upgrade does not show up.

Quick answer

• Who is affected: Windows 11 Home and Pro on version 24H2.
• Last update: the October 13, 2026 security update (KB5127648). Microsoft's release notes say it is the last one for these editions.
• Enterprise and Education editions of 24H2 get updates until October 12, 2027.
• What to do: upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 or 26H2 through Windows Update. It is free.

Step 1: Check which version you have

1. Press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter.
2. The window shows the version (for example "Version 24H2") and the OS build.

Or open Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications. The Edition line tells you whether you have Home, Pro or Enterprise.

A quick build check: builds starting with 26100 are 24H2, 26200 are 25H2 and 26300 are 26H2.

Step 2: Prepare before upgrading (5 minutes)

• Back up important files to OneDrive, Google Drive or an external disk. Upgrades rarely lose data, but a backup costs nothing.
• Save your BitLocker recovery key if your drive is encrypted. Here is how to find your BitLocker recovery key.
• Free up space: keep at least 20 GB free on C:.
• Plug in the charger on laptops and use a stable internet connection.

Step 3: Upgrade through 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. When you see "Windows 11, version 26H2 is available" (or 25H2), click Download and install.
5. Restart when asked. Check again with winver afterwards.

Because 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 share the same core platform, the jump is usually much smaller and faster than a full reinstall. On most PCs it feels like a normal monthly update with one extra restart.

The upgrade is not showing. What now?

1. Your PC may be on a safeguard hold

Microsoft sometimes delays an upgrade on specific hardware or drivers with known problems. Wait a few days and check again, and update your drivers from the laptop maker's support app (Lenovo Vantage, HP Support Assistant, MyASUS, Dell SupportAssist).

2. Windows Update itself is stuck

If updates fail or hang at a percentage, follow our Windows Update stuck fix guide first (reset the update components, run the troubleshooter, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder).

3. Use the official Installation Assistant

Microsoft's "Download Windows 11" page offers the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, which upgrades in place and keeps files and apps. Download it only from microsoft.com.

4. Clean install as last resort

For a PC that has many problems anyway, a clean install from a USB stick gives a fresh start. See how to make a bootable USB pendrive for Windows 11. Back up first: a clean install erases the drive.

For IT admins

• Home and Pro devices in your fleet (common in small offices and BYOD) are now unsupported on 24H2. Move them to 25H2 or 26H2 with a Windows Update for Business or Intune feature update policy.
• Enterprise and Education devices on 24H2 still have until October 12, 2027, but plan the move early instead of rushing next year.
• Read the known issues of the October update before wide rollout. One of them breaks Remote Desktop for non-admin users when Administrator protection is on: see Remote Desktop error 0xC000000D after KB5127648.

What happens if I stay on 24H2?

Nothing breaks on day one. Apps open, files stay, the internet works. But each month new security holes are published, and your PC will not get the patches. Browsers and antivirus still update themselves, which helps, but they cannot fix flaws inside Windows itself. For a PC you use for banking, UPI or office work, that risk grows every month.

FAQ

Is the upgrade to 25H2 or 26H2 free?

Yes. Feature updates within Windows 11 are free through Windows Update.

Will I lose my files or apps?

No, an in-place upgrade keeps files, apps and settings. Still keep a backup, as with any big change.

Should I pick 25H2 or 26H2?

Take whichever Windows Update offers you. If both are available, the newer 26H2 gives you the longest support period.

Does this affect Windows 10?

No, Windows 10 has its own timeline. If you still use Windows 10, read what to do now that Windows 10 support has ended.

Sources: Microsoft's release notes for KB5127648 (October 13, 2026) and reporting by PCWorld and others. Dates were checked on October 28, 2026.