Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2 reach end of support: Update now, or else

RV_ · September 12

"The last two versions of Windows 11 are no longer supported by Microsoft, so you'll need the latest edition to stay fully protected. Here's how to find out which version you're running. "

Haven't updated your Windows 11 PC in a while? Then you could find yourself on the outs with Microsoft.

Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2 are no longer supported by the folks in Redmond. This means that anyone still running these versions won't receive future bug fixes, security patches, or other updates. And that could place your computer at a greater risk for malware, security flaws, and other threats.

On Sunday, Microsoft revised its Windows 11 release information page to indicate the retirement of the two older versions, listing both 21H2 and 22H2 as having reached the end of servicing for Windows 11 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations. Only the Enterprise and Education editions are spared; they're still able to receive updates to Windows 11 22H2 until October 14 of 2025.

How do you know which version you're running? That's easy enough. Head to Settings, select System, and then click About. Scroll down to the section for Windows specifications to find the version. If Windows 11 23H2 is listed, then you're fine. But what if you're stuck with an older edition? In that case, you can update your PC yourself, or Microsoft will now do it for you.

Go to Settings, select Windows Update, and click the button for "Check for Updates." Microsoft will download and install the latest updates, which will include 23H2. If you don't do this yourself and automatic updates are turned on, the update will automatically run as part of this month's Patch Tuesday, rolled out on September 10.

Keeping track of Windows updates can be challenging and frustrating, especially with so many of them pushed out on a regular and irregular basis. Microsoft has tried to streamline the major updates by launching them annually and naming them with the year and period. But the names can be confusing since we're almost in the final quarter of 2024 and Windows 11 is still stuck on a 2023 version. In the midst of this messiness, making sure your PC is fully protected against security hazards is the most critical task.

On its Windows Message Center page, Microsoft issued this warning:

"The October 2024 security update is the last security release for Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 21H2 and Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 22H2. After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats."

More here with links to related articles:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-21h2-and-22h2-reach-end-of-support-update-now-or-else/?ftag=TREc64629f&utm_email=3b2e0f94e4947c973f63c5cf2d34603c24fe97fe01cb10979119da7270e034b9&utm_campaign_id=11046546&utm_email_id=3ffaf4f3e815dcbd019ab26e826c9ad065acae7b75e3ced71c8fd4f4a71a75ee&utm_newsletter_id=92316&medium=email&source=iterable

LindaH · September 13

22 hours ago, RV_ said:

On its Windows Message Center page, Microsoft issued this warning:

"The October 2024 security update is the last security release for Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 21H2 and Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 22H2. After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats."

I checked the version of Windows 11 my computer is using and it says 22H2. However, when I go to Check for Updates, it says the computer is up to date (I did receive an update yesterday that I downloaded).

Now what?