Microsoft reminded customers today that multiple editions of Windows 11 22H2 and 21H2 have reached their end of servicing.
This announcement applies to Windows 11 22H2 Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE editions released on September 20, 2022. One year after the Home and Pro editions, Windows 11 21H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions have also reached the end of service.
“The October 2024 security update is the last update available for these editions. After today, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats,” Microsoft said.
“To help keep you protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 11 Home and Pro devices that are not managed by IT departments when these are nearing end of servicing.”
However, according to Redmond, you can still choose a convenient time outside active hours for the device to reboot and complete the update.
You can also find details about the end-of-service dates of other Windows releases using the Lifecycle Policy search tool or on the Windows Lifecycle FAQ page.
Microsoft also provides customers with a list of all products that will reach the end of support or will be retired in the coming months.
Windows 11 2024 Update rolling out
Windows 11, version 24H2 (the Windows 11 2024 Update) began rolling out earlier this month as a full operating system swap to eligible devices running Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2.
Customers who want to be among the first to get the latest feature update must go to Settings > Windows Update and enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option.
“If the update is available for your device, it will download and install automatically. You will be notified to restart your device once the installation is completed,” the company says on the Windows release health dashboard.
“For Copilot+ PC devices, new features will soon become available to the Windows Insider community, with a phased rollout to select devices and markets. Note that availability may differ based on the various silicon platforms.”
It’s also important to note that Redmond has added several Windows 11 24H2 safeguard holds for devices with incompatible software and drivers.
The company is blocking Windows 24H2 upgrades on systems with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers, causing blue screen of death (BSOD) issues.
Other compatibility holds block the Windows 11 2024 Update from being offered on systems running the Asphalt 8 (Airborne) game and the Easy Anti-Cheat application, as well as on devices with some fingerprint sensors with incompatible firmware (ID 52796844), the Safe Exam Browser application (ID 49562592), and wallpaper customization applications (ID 52754008).