Quick answer: On October 13, 2026, Windows 11 version 24H2 (Home and Pro) stops getting security updates. Your PC keeps running, but it is no longer protected against new threats. If you are on 25H2 or 26H2, you are fine. If you are still on 24H2, open Settings, check for updates, and keep installing until it says you are up to date.

Your Windows expires next week. Are you up to date?

Not to alarm you, but if you haven’t checked for updates recently, now is a good time.

What does this actually mean?

Not much if you are running 25H2 or 26H2. You are all peachy. This post is for PCs that have not been updated in a while.

How do you tell which version you have?

Go to Settings, then System, then About, and scroll down to the Windows version. You can also type “About” in the search bar and it will take you right to that setting.

While you are there, check the edition too. This deadline applies to Home and Pro. Enterprise and Education have until October 2027.

What if you are on 24H2?

Go back to the main Settings screen and open Windows Update. Chances are your PC has been waiting all this time for you to click the install button.

When you do, be aware that depending on how many updates are lined up, your machine might restart several times, and each restart can take a while. Sometimes you also have to go back to the update screen to finish whatever is left, or whatever new came up after the first round. So keep checking until your PC says it is up to date.

What if you hit update and it still says you are up to date?

This can happen for a lot of different reasons. One is that your machine will not take the new version through the regular route, which is going to Settings and running updates. In that case you need to force your machine to upgrade to the newest version.

A heads up before you do: if you haven’t backed up your data, do it before going any further. Pushing an update this way can cause issues like driver incompatibilities, mostly on older machines. Our guide on backing up your data before a new machine walks you through it.

Create a restore point first

You can also create a restore point before updating anything. Type “restore point” in the search bar and open Create a restore point. On the System Protection tab, select your main drive, which is usually C:. If protection is off, click Configure, choose Turn on system protection, and click OK. Then click Create, give it a name like “Before Windows update,” and wait for it to finish.

Forcing the update with install media

Once your backup is done, create Windows install media. You can follow our blog post on how to do it. After it is created, open the install folder, run the setup file, and go through the prompts. Your machine will restart several times to complete the upgrade.

What if the update is not offered to your PC yet?

There is a chance your machine has not been offered the update because it does not meet the requirements just yet. You can check Microsoft’s website and wait a little to see if it eventually shows up. In the meantime, strengthen your security. And if you end up having to force the update, back up first and be prepared for possible issues.

If you manage more than a few computers and would rather not check each one by hand, call me at (239) 360-9615 or book a time at cal.com/itcomp-booking.

FAQ

What happens to my PC on October 13 if I do nothing?

It keeps running, but 24H2 Home and Pro stop getting security updates. Many PCs update on their own, but one with updates paused, one managed by an employer, or one that has been offline for months may not.

Does this affect Enterprise and Education?

Not yet. Those editions are supported until October 2027.

Which version should I move to?

25H2 or 26H2. Both are small updates that need a restart. 26H2 is supported longer, through October 2028, while 25H2 is supported through October 2027.

Should I back up first?

Yes, especially if you have to force the update.