Microsoft to End Support for Windows 11 Versions 21H2 and 22H2 in October

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft will end support for Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 22H2 on October 8, 2024, meaning no more security patches or bug fixes after this date.
• Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 version 23H2 to continue receiving necessary updates and protections.
• Microsoft will automatically update non-managed business PCs to ensure continued security and productivity.

Microsoft is reminding customers that it will end support for multiple editions of Windows 11, versions 21H2 and 22H2, in 90 days. The company will officially end mainstream support on October 8, 2024, and after that date, it will no longer provide security patches and bug fixes for these versions of the operating system.

Windows 11 version 21H2 Home and Pro editions have already reached the end of support in October 2023. Microsoft has announced that October 8 will mark the end of support for the Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions of the original Windows 11 release. On the same day, Microsoft will also stop supporting Windows 11 version 22H2 Home and Pro editions.

Microsoft reiterated that the October 2024 security update will be the last one available for PCs running Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 22H2. After that, all affected computers will be more vulnerable to malware attacks and other security threats.

“The upcoming October 2024 security update, to be released on October 8, 2024, will be the last update available for these editions. After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats,” Microsoft explained.

Microsoft to force upgrade Windows 11 version 21H2 and 22H2 PCs

Microsoft recommends that customers should upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11, which is currently version 23H2, to continue receiving security updates. The company will automatically update eligible non-managed business PCs via Windows Update in the coming weeks.

“To help keep you protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 11 business devices not managed by IT departments when these are nearing end of servicing. Moving to Windows 11, version 23H2 keeps your device supported and receiving monthly updates that are critical to security and ecosystem health,” Microsoft added.

Microsoft plans to release the next major update for Windows 11 later this year. The company has been testing Windows 11 version 24H2 with Insiders for a couple months. This update will introduce new features, such as energy saver, voice clarity, and HDR background support, along with improvements to File Explorer, Copilot on Windows, and the taskbar. However, new AI-powered experiences (like Windows Recall) will only be available on Copilot+ PCs.