Learn when is Windows 11 end of life, how long each version stays supported, what the 25h2 timeline means, and how these dates affect upgrading to Windows 11 and preparing for Windows 12.
The end-of-life date for Windows 11 depends on the version you are using. Home and Pro editions receive 24 months of support, while Enterprise and Education editions get 36 months. For example, Windows 11 version 23H2 ended support on November 11, 2025. Version 24H2 will be supported until October 13, 2026, and version 25H2 will receive updates until October 12, 2027. To stay secure and enjoy new features, it is important to update to a supported version.
If you do not upgrade from Windows 10 when support ends in October 2025, your PC will still run, but it will stop receiving security updates. If your hardware is compatible, moving to Windows 11 is the best choice because it offers stronger security, modern features, and ongoing support. If your device cannot run Windows 11, you can either pay for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates or consider buying a new PC. You may choose to stay on Windows 10 for a short time if you prefer its interface or rely on older software, but it is not a long-term option.
On Windows 11, you may see an “end of service” warning if your specific version has already expired. Build 22621 means you are on Windows 11 version 22H2, which reached end of service on October 8, 2024. After this date, Microsoft no longer sends security updates for that version, which is why the warning appears.
Microsoft has not announced Windows 12 and it does not seem likely to arrive soon. At CES, Microsoft said that 2025 would be the “year of the Windows 11 refresh,” which suggests that Windows 12 will not launch in the near future. Rumors about Windows 12 continue, but there is no official confirmation that it is in development.
Major Windows versions in the past were released every few years. Windows 10 came six years before Windows 11 in 2021, while earlier versions arrived roughly every three years. Because Microsoft has changed its release schedule, the Windows 12 release date is uncertain.
Some news and rumors say Windows 12 is to arrive around September or October 2025, which would match the end of Windows 10 support. However, Microsoft’s recent updates make this unlikely. If the pattern of Windows 10 repeats, Windows 12 may not launch until around 2027.
Other factors may affect the Windows 12 launch. The Windows 11 24H2 update runs on the Germanium platform, which powers AI features on Copilot+ PCs. Windows 12 could require these AI-focused devices. Earlier statements from Intel and Qualcomm about a “Windows refresh” in 2024 likely referred to this Windows 11 update, not Windows 12.
Leadership changes at Microsoft, including the departure of longtime Windows chief Panos Panay, may also affect the timing. The new team may wait before releasing a major new version. Market share is another factor. Windows 11 holds about 43 percent of PCs worldwide while Windows 10 remains at 53 percent. Launching a new version too soon could slow adoption.
If your Windows 11 shows “Your version of Windows has reached the end of service” with a certain build number, you can update to the latest Windows 11 version to fix it. Before updating, make sure your PC is ready for the latest Windows version. Not every computer can install it because updates require specific hardware, enough storage, and proper system settings. Here is an easy way to check if your device can receive the newest Windows update and how to install it.
Step 1. Open Settings: Click Start > Settings > Windows Update.
Step 2. Check for updates: Select Check for updates. If the latest version (like Windows 11 25H2) is available for your device, you’ll see the option to Download and install.
Step 3. Review eligibility:
1. If you’re using Windows 10, open the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to see if your device meets the Windows 11 system requirements.
2. Your device must support TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and have a compatible processor.
3. You also need at least 64 GB of storage for the installation, though Microsoft recommends 128 GB or more for smoother updates and future patches.
Step 4. Automatic updates: For Windows 11 Home and Pro editions, updates usually install automatically once your PC is eligible and has enough free space.
If you don’t see the update yet, it may be rolling out gradually. You can wait for it to appear through Windows Update or use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official website to manually upgrade.
The most important Windows 11 requirement to check is UEFI boot mode. It improves your computer’s security and requires a GPT boot disk. If your Windows 10 20H2 is installed on an MBR hard drive, you need to convert the MBR disk to GPT and switch from Legacy BIOS to UEFI before upgrading to Windows 11. Here is how to do it.
This step is necessary if your current boot disk uses the MBR partition scheme. If your disk is already GPT, you can go directly to Stage 3.
To convert a boot disk from MBR to GPT, it is better to use a professional third-party MBR and GPT converter instead of the Windows Command Prompt tool, because the Command Prompt will delete all partitions on the MBR disk and may cause data loss. For the safety of your data, you can use AOMEI Partition Assistant. It has an “MBR to GPT Converter” that allows you to convert a boot or data disk from MBR to GPT or from GPT to MBR without deleting any partitions or data. Simply download the demo version and run a simulation first.
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Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.Right-click the target MBR boot hard drive and select "Convert to GPT".
Step 2. Click "OK" to confirm your operation.
Step 3. Click "Apply" to commit the conversion.
After converting the disk to GPT partition scheme, you need to take the following steps to change Legacy BIOS to UEFI boot mode.
Step 1. Restart your computer and continuously press a specific key to enter the EFI Setup menu. If you don’t know which key to press, just press Esc to get a full menu, and then you can select BIOS Setup.
Step 2. Access to Boot tab and hit on UEFI/ BIOS Boot Mode, disable Legacy and enable UEFI.
Step 3. Press F10 to save the settings and then exit to finish Legacy BIOS to UEFI switch.
Now, you have converted MBR system hard drive to GPT and changed the boot mode from Legacy BIOS to UEFI. Next is how to complete Windows 10 version 20h2 upgrade to Windows 11.
Step 1. Go to Start Menu, and click on "Settings".
Step 2. Click on "Updates&Security" on the Windows Settings screen.
Step 3. In the Windows Update screen, click "Check for updates". If the free Windows 11 upgrade is available, you’ll see an option to download and install it.
Step 4. Click "Download and install". Follow on-screen prompts and configure Windows 11 settings.
If the Windows 11 update is not available your computer, you can directly turn to Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Open the Download Windows 11 page and click the "Download now" button under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section.
Run the downloaded Windows11 Installation Assistant.exe file. Click the "Accept and install" button and your Windows 11 installation will upgrade to Windows 11. After the installation finishes, you will be prompted to restart your PC immediately or wait for the 30-minute time to end if you need time to save important data. After reboots, you can sign into Windows again. Once the final setup is complete, you will enter your new Windows 11 desktop.
When is Windows 11 end of life? Windows 11 versions have different end-of-life dates, so keeping your system updated is important for security and new features. If your device can run Windows 11, upgrading from Windows 10 with AOMEI Partition Assistant ensures ongoing support. For older devices, consider Windows 10 Extended Security Updates or a new PC. Please check compatibility before updating to avoid issues.
The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer