Loading story…
Microsoft warned that Windows 11 version 24H2 will stop receiving updates for Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions on October 13, 2026. After that date, affected systems will no longer get monthly security patches or non-security preview updates, leaving devices more exposed to newly disclosed vulnerabilities and malware. Microsoft said Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will also reach the end of support on the same date.
Microsoft is directing customers to upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11 version 25H2, which is already generally available and remains supported for those editions until October 12, 2027. The company said unmanaged Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro devices will be automatically moved to 25H2, while Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions will continue under support until October 2027, creating a longer support window for those business-focused releases.
Map this exposure pattern across your cloud, code, and identities.
8 events from the most recent confirmed update back to the earliest known activity.
Microsoft previously stopped rolling out security updates to Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro devices in November 2025. This is cited as a prior lifecycle milestone related to the new 24H2 notice.
Microsoft released Windows 11 version 24H2 for Windows 11 on October 1, 2024. The release started the servicing lifecycle referenced in the support notice.
Microsoft said Windows 11 version 25H2 became generally available in September 2024. It is delivered as a minor update through an enablement package.
Microsoft said Windows Server 2022 is approaching its mainstream end-of-support date in October 2026, after which it will move to extended support. Under extended support, it will continue receiving security updates through October 14, 2031.
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 will reach end of updates or end of extended support on October 13, 2026, according to Microsoft's notice. Microsoft recommends migrating these systems to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024.
On October 13, 2026, Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will stop receiving monthly security updates and non-security preview releases. The same deadline also applies to Pro Education and Pro for Workstations deployments running version 24H2.
Microsoft issued a 60-day reminder that Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of updates on October 13, 2026, and advised customers to move to Windows 11 25H2. The notice also says unmanaged devices on 24H2 Home and Pro will automatically upgrade to 25H2.
Microsoft quietly extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for consumers in June, with coverage lasting until October 2027. The article cites this as another recent lifecycle change.
Vulnerabilities, threat actors, malware, products, organizations, and breaches Mallory has linked to this story.
See where this exposure pattern shows up across your cloud, code, supply chain, and non-human identities.
3 references tracked. Mallory keeps watching after this page renders.
techrepublic.com
Open sourcecybersecuritynews.com
Open sourcebleepingcomputer.com
Open sourceMap indicators from this story to your assets and identify affected systems in minutes.
Every observed campaign, victim, and pivot linked to actors named in this story.
Malware, exploits, and IOCs connected to the activity described here.
YARA, Sigma, and Snort rules deployed to your SIEM as soon as they’re published.
Get matching new stories delivered to your team as they break — not the next morning.
Ask questions about this story and take action on the answers.
Other stories Mallory is tracking that overlap on entities, sources, or topic labels.
Microsoft is warning organizations that **Windows Server 2016**, **Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016**, and **Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB** are approaching end of support, after which they will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes, or technical support. Reported lifecycle dates include **October 13, 2026** for the Windows 10 2016 LTSB variants and **January 12, 2027** for Windows Server 2016; Microsoft’s guidance is to prioritize upgrades (e.g., to **Windows Server 2025** and Windows 10/11 LTSC options where hardware permits) and, if migration timelines slip, to use the **Extended Security Updates (ESU)** program as a short-term bridge for up to three years with only “critical” and “important” security updates. Separately, Microsoft released the **Windows 11 KB5077241** optional (non-security) preview cumulative update with 29 quality changes, including **BitLocker reliability** improvements (addressing freezes after entering a recovery key) and new built-in capabilities such as a taskbar **network speed test** and **native Sysmon functionality** (disabled by default). The update also enables **Quick Machine Recovery (QMR)** by default on certain unmanaged Windows Pro devices and is positioned for admin testing ahead of the next Patch Tuesday release, but it does **not** include security fixes.
Jun 29, 2026
Microsoft released an **optional, non-security** update for Windows 11 versions **25H2 and 24H2** (KB`5077241`), advancing OS builds to **26200.7922** and **26100.7922**. Reported changes focus on functionality and reliability, including UI updates (e.g., redesigned battery icons and a refreshed Start menu experience), updates to Windows AI-related components, and a servicing stack update (SSU) KB`5077371` intended to improve the robustness of future update installation; the rollout is described as phased/gradual before broader availability. Separately, Microsoft outlined approaching end-of-support deadlines for **Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016**, **Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB** (both ending **Oct 13, 2026**), and **Windows Server 2016** (ending **Jan 12, 2027**), after which only a paid **Extended Security Updates (ESU)** program can provide security patches for up to three additional years. Microsoft emphasized ESU provides *security updates only* (no new features, quality fixes, or technical support), with pricing starting at **$61/device** for year one (discounted to **$45/device** for Intune/Windows Autopatch-managed systems) and doubling each year; Windows Server 2016 ESU pricing was not disclosed, and Microsoft recommended upgrading to newer LTSC/LTS releases as the preferred path.
Jun 29, 2026
Microsoft is ending official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which will leave millions of devices without free security updates unless users take specific actions. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide free security patches for Windows 10, and users with devices that do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11 will be unable to upgrade through standard channels. Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, which will be available on a subscription basis for up to three years, allowing users to continue receiving critical security patches. The cost of these ESUs will vary, and while most users worldwide will need to pay for this service, Microsoft has made an exception for customers in the European Economic Area (EEA). Due to regulatory pressure and advocacy from consumer groups, Microsoft will provide an extra year of free security updates to EEA users, provided they enroll in the ESU program and verify their accounts every 60 days. This move is intended to align with the Digital Markets Act and meet local expectations for consumer protection. Users who do not act risk running unsupported systems, which could expose them to significant security vulnerabilities. Microsoft is not planning to extend the Windows 10 support deadline or relax the hardware requirements for Windows 11, so affected users must choose from several options: purchasing a new PC, enrolling in the ESU program, or exploring alternative operating systems. The ESU program is designed to provide a secure and streamlined experience for those who need more time to transition to Windows 11. Microsoft has also communicated that doing nothing is not a safe option, as unsupported systems will become increasingly vulnerable over time. The company has provided guidance for both individuals and organizations on how to enroll in the ESU program and what to expect in terms of ongoing support. The end of Windows 10 support is expected to impact not only businesses but also consumers with older, yet still functional, hardware. Microsoft’s approach underscores the importance of timely upgrades and proactive security planning for all Windows users. The transition period will require careful management, especially for organizations with large fleets of Windows 10 devices. Security experts recommend evaluating upgrade paths and support options as soon as possible to avoid disruptions and maintain compliance with security best practices. The availability of free updates in the EEA highlights the influence of regional regulations on global technology vendors and may set a precedent for future end-of-support scenarios.
Jun 29, 2026