Microsoft’s customer-facing guidance sets October 13, 2026, as the end-of-updates date for Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro, and the end-of-support date for Office 2021. The products have separate lifecycle rules: Windows will stop receiving specified updates and support, while Office 2021 apps may continue to function without updates or support.
Which products reach the deadline?
The Windows date applies to devices running both Windows 11 version 24H2 and the Home or Pro edition. Microsoft lists a separate lifecycle for Windows 11 Enterprise and Education that extends into October 2027.
Office 2021 has its own support deadline on October 13, 2026. It is a separate product lifecycle, not part of the Windows 11 24H2 update schedule.
What changes when support ends?
For Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro, Microsoft says monthly security and preview updates, fixes for known issues, time-zone updates and technical support will end after the stated date.
Office 2021 apps may continue to function after support ends. Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, security fixes, bug fixes or technical support, and Office 2021 has no extension or extended security updates.
| Product and affected scope | Date stated by Microsoft | What changes after support ends |
| Windows 11 version 24H2, Home and Pro editions | October 13, 2026 | Monthly security and preview updates, fixes for known issues, time-zone updates and technical support end. |
| Office 2021 | October 13, 2026 | Software updates, security fixes, bug fixes and technical support end. Apps may continue to function. |
How to check your Windows version and Office product
On a Windows PC, open Settings > System > About > Windows specifications. Check both the edition and the version: the October deadline concerns version 24H2 in Home or Pro, not either label on its own. You can also type winver into Windows search to open the About Windows dialog and check the version.
To identify your Office product, open an Office app and go to File > Account > Product Information. Check whether the product is Office 2021.
Check for an available Windows update
If your PC is in the affected Windows scope, open Settings > Windows Update and check whether a feature update is available for the device. Microsoft says eligible devices can check there for an available update. For Office 2021, the upgrade decision is separate; the options depend on whether you use Office at home or through work or school.
