Still on Windows 11 23H2? Your update deadline is almost here
Windows 11 version 23H2, released back in October 2023, will soon reach its end of support for Home and Pro editions, according to a recent Microsoft Lifecycle Policy announcement.Starting November 11th, 2025, regular security updates will no longer be available for Windows 11 23H2, leaving unupgraded systems vulnerable to cyber attacks. Millions of users worldwide are likely to be affected, although Microsoft does not provide exact figures.
On the other hand, commercial editions—including Enterprise and Education—will continue to receive mainstream support until November 10th, 2026, as they have a longer support cycle of 36 months (as opposed to 24 months for consumer editions).
In addition, Windows 11 22H2 is also reaching end of support, but on an earlier date: October 14th, 2025. Windows 11 SE, intended for schools, will not be updated to 25H2 and will expire completely in 2026.
What end of support means for you
Once the end-of-support date rolls around, PCs running Windows 11 23H2 will no longer receive security updates—and that means any newly discovered security vulnerabilities will remain unpatched. This increases the risk of suffering malware, data loss, and hack attempts for anyone who remains on Windows 11 23H2.
Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, which has been available since October 2024. The new version brings improved AI integration, enhanced Copilot features for more productive work, and stronger security features (e.g., protections against phishing and ransomware). Microsoft will refuse technical support without an update.
However, not all devices can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 without problems. So-called “safeguard holds” may block the update on PCs that have hardware or software with known conflicts, such as certain audio drivers, webcam software, or older apps. Users should check their update status in the Windows settings or use the Media Creation Tool.
What you should do now
Microsoft is urging users to upgrade as soon as possible to avoid security vulnerabilities. Anyone who can switch to Windows 11 24H2 should do so quickly—the installation is usually straightforward and brings new features and improvements. For devices with safeguard holds, it’s advisable to regularly check for update releases or fix existing problems.
Alternatively, users with incompatible hardware can consider switching to Linux platforms such as Plasma Desktop, which often run well on older devices and offer long-term updates. 
© 2025 PC World 2:05am  
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