Microsoft recently issued a 90-day countdown reminder, announcing that it will officially end support for some versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 in October. Although Microsoft had unexpectedly extended the support period for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) by one year to October 2027, Microsoft still maintains strict planning for the end of life (EOL) of other operating system versions.
According to the announcement, the Home and Professional editions of Windows 11 24H2 will officially cease support on October 13, 2026. At the same time, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will also end its life cycle on the same day. After this date, Microsoft will no longer release any security or non-security updates for devices running these operating systems, which means devices that continue to use these systems will be exposed to potential cyber attacks.
This timing is consistent with Microsoft's consistent support strategy. According to regulations, Windows 11 Home and Professional editions usually enjoy a 24-month support cycle, while Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 has previously received 5 years of mainstream support and 5 years of extended support. Prior to this, Windows 11 23H2 version also stopped service at a similar time point.
Currently, Microsoft strongly urges users of Windows 11 24H2 Home and Professional editions to upgrade to the 25H2 version as soon as possible or consider the upcoming 26H2 version. However, for customers who are using Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise or Education editions, Microsoft will provide an additional year of support, extending to October 12, 2027.
For organizational customers currently using Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, Microsoft recommends that they upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2024 as soon as possible. If the enterprise is temporarily unable to complete the system transition, it can also choose to pay separately to purchase the Extended Security Update (ESU) service of Windows 10 Enterprise Edition LTSB 2016 to maintain basic security.
Microsoft emphasizes that it is important to continue to receive security updates and maintain a supported status of the operating system. In the recent "Patch Tuesday" update, Microsoft has just fixed as many as 570 security vulnerabilities across multiple products, once again highlighting the necessity of timely updating systems to prevent cyber threats.