Windows 11 24H2 Support Ends Next Month: How to Check Your PC and What to Do

If your PC is running Windows 11 version 24H2 Home or Pro, you should check for a newer Windows version soon. Microsoft says those editions of Windows 11 24H2 reach the end of updates on October 13, 2026. After that date, they will no longer receive Microsoft's regular security updates, fixes for known issues, time-zone updates, or technical support.

That does not mean your computer suddenly stops working on October 13. It means remaining on that version leaves the PC without the normal stream of updates Microsoft provides to supported Windows versions.

Fortunately, checking your version takes less than a minute.

How to check which version of Windows 11 you have

Press Windows key + R on your keyboard.

Type:

winver

Then press Enter.

A small About Windows window will appear. Look for the version number.

If it says Version 24H2, and you use Windows 11 Home or Pro, the October 13 end-of-updates date applies to your version. Microsoft says Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education have a different support schedule and remain supported longer.

You can close the window when you're finished.

What should you do if you have 24H2?

Open Settings > Windows Update.

Install the normal updates offered for your PC and check whether Windows offers a newer supported Windows 11 version. Microsoft recommends moving to the latest Windows 11 version to remain protected and up to date.

You don't need to download unofficial installation tools or modified copies of Windows just because 24H2 is approaching end of support.

Before making a major Windows version change, however, it is sensible to make sure important files are backed up.

Check your backup first

Windows includes Windows Backup, which can back up selected user folders through OneDrive along with supported Windows settings and preferences.

You can find it by opening Start, typing backup, and selecting Windows Backup.

Microsoft says Windows Backup can include folders such as Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music. It can also preserve supported settings including Wi-Fi information, personalization and accessibility preferences. The feature is designed around a personal Microsoft account and OneDrive; a free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage.

You can also review its settings under Settings > Accounts > Windows backup.

Remember that cloud synchronization is not necessarily a complete backup strategy for everything stored on a PC. If you keep important files outside the folders being backed up, make a separate copy to another safe location before a major operating-system change.

Don't panic if you see 24H2

The important date is October 13, 2026, not today.

Your computer doesn't become obsolete because a Windows version reaches the end of its update period. The immediate goal is simply to identify which Windows version you're running and move to a supported release when the appropriate update is available for your PC.

There is also a good reason not to rush into unusual workarounds: Windows updates are tied to specific hardware and software configurations, and using Microsoft's normal Windows Update process is the straightforward path for ordinary users.

For most people, the checklist is simple:

• Run winver and check your Windows version.
• If you have Windows 11 24H2 Home or Pro, open Settings > Windows Update.
• Install available updates and check for a newer supported Windows 11 version.
• Confirm that important files are backed up before a major version upgrade.
• Don't use unofficial Windows downloads or hardware-requirement bypasses merely because 24H2 is nearing end of support.

One more reason to keep Windows Update current

Microsoft's September 2026 Windows 11 update also illustrates why keeping a supported version matters. The company is continuing to distribute security improvements, Secure Boot certificate updates, bug fixes, and fixes for newly discovered update problems through Windows Update. Microsoft issued an additional out-of-band update on September 14 to resolve some problems associated with September's updates.

Staying on a supported Windows release means your PC can continue receiving those fixes as Microsoft releases them.

Sources and Further Reading

Microsoft — September 2026 Windows 11 update and 24H2 end-of-updates notice: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/servicing/os/windows-11/2026/09/kb5124008-windows-11-24h2-25h2-security-update

Microsoft — Back up and restore with Windows Backup: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/backup-recovery/back-up-and-restore-with-windows-backup