ByMicrosoft has largely clarified its end-of-support roadmap for 2026. This support wave includes several key products such as Windows 11 24H2, Windows 11 SE, Office 2021, .NET, PowerShell, and Windows Server 2012/2012 R2. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the Microsoft products whose support will end in 2026, their impact, and future options.
Windows 11 is Now 5 Years Old: A Sign of Microsoft’s New Strategy
Windows 11, launched in 2021, redefined Microsoft’s operating system vision. In 2026, Windows 11 will be 5 years old, and with this, the company is retiring older versions and pushing forward with new updates. This clearly indicates that Microsoft is now focusing on faster upgrade cycles and Enablement Updates.
Windows 11 24H2 Support End Date – October 2026
Windows 11 24H2, released on October 1, 2024, was one of Microsoft’s biggest updates. It included a new Start Menu, system-level AI features, battery indicator changes, and several internal platform updates.
Important Facts
Support End Date: October 4, 2026
After this date:
No Security Updates
No Bug Fixes
Upgrading the system to Windows 11 25H2 is mandatory
Microsoft has already confirmed that PCs with Windows 11 24H2 will be force-upgraded to 25H2.
Windows 11 25H2: Why the Upgrade is Easy
Windows 11 25H2 is an Enablement Package, based on the same platform release as 24H2. This means:
The underlying codebase will remain the same
The user interface and features will be largely identical
The risk of data loss during the upgrade is extremely low
Our experience shows that switching to 25H2 is fast, safe, and stable.
The End of Windows 11 SE: A Big Change for the Education Sector
Windows 11 SE, which was specifically designed for schools and education systems, is now reaching its end of life.
Key Information
Windows 11 24H2 = The final version of Windows 11 SE
Last Update: October 2026
This Microsoft experiment was intended to compete with ChromeOS, but it did not become very popular among schools and students.
When will support end for Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT?
While support for the Home and Pro versions ended in November 2025, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise users have received a little reprieve.
Support End Date
November 10, 2026
After this date, these editions will also no longer receive any security or feature updates.
Office 2021 Support End – October 2026
Microsoft’s popular standalone office suite, Office 2021, is also about to be retired.
Office 2021 Timeline
Launch Date: October 5, 2021
Support End: October 13, 2026
Included Products:
Office 2021 for Windows
Office 2021 for macOS
Office LTSC 2021
Office LTSC 2021 for Mac
This means that users have limited time to upgrade to a newer, more secure version after Office 2021.
Upgrading from Office 2021 to Office 2024: Is it possible?
The short answer: No.
Office 2021 and Office 2024 are separate products. Automatic upgrade is not possible.
A new Office 2024 license will need to be purchased.
Office 2021 will continue to work after support ends, but you will not receive security updates.
Better options:
Office 2024 (Standalone License)
Support: Until October 9, 2029
Microsoft 365 (Subscription Model)
Monthly / Annual Billing
Continuous new features and updates
Complete list of all Microsoft products losing support in 2026
.NET and Developer Tools
.NET 9: Support End – November 10, 2026
.NET 8 (LTS): Support End – November 10, 2026
PowerShell 7.4 (LTS): Support End – November 10, 2026
Developers are advised to migrate to .NET 10 (LTS) or another supported LTS version.
Windows Server
Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2
ESU Year 3 End: October 13, 2026
No further Extended Security Updates after this date
Enterprise users should now prepare for migration to a newer Windows Server version.
Microsoft’s Support Model: Not an end, but a progression
Microsoft’s history shows that the company:
Retires older products
But maintains backward compatibility
Provides users with a clear upgrade path
2026 is no exception. This change is part of Microsoft’s long-term vision, emphasizing security, AI integration, and modern platforms.
Our recommendation: Prepare now
We believe that:
Early migration to Windows 11 25H2 is advisable
Choosing the right option between Office 2024 and Microsoft 365 is crucial
Developers should shift to LTS platforms
Upgrading promptly not only keeps your system secure but also prepares you for future technologies.
Conclusion
Support for several major Microsoft products is scheduled to end in 2026. Windows 11 24H2, Windows 11 SE, Office 2021, and several developer tools are now in their final stages. We believe this change is not a challenge, but a natural step towards a better, more secure, and modern system.
Are you searching for the best hosting plan? Click now and get 20% off
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When will support for Windows 11 24H2 end?
Support for Windows 11 24H2 will end on October 4, 2026. After this date, security updates and bug fixes will no longer be available for this version.
Q2. What will happen after support for Windows 11 24H2 ends?
After support ends, Microsoft will make upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 mandatory. On many systems, this upgrade may occur automatically (forced upgrade).
Q3. Is upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 safe?
Yes, Windows 11 25H2 is an Enablement Package and is based on the same platform as 24H2. Therefore, the upgrade is fast, safe, and without major changes.
Q4. When will Windows 11 SE receive its last update?
Windows 11 SE will receive its final update in October 2026. After this, the operating system will be completely End-of-Life.
Q5. How long will support for Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education last?
Support for Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise will continue until November 10, 2026.
Q6. When will support for Office 2021 end?
Support for Office 2021 will end on October 13, 2026, exactly 5 years after its launch.
Q7. Will Office 2021 stop working after support ends?
No, Office 2021 will continue to work, but no security updates or bug fixes will be released for it, which could increase the risk to data and system security.
Q8. Will there be a free upgrade from Office 2021 to Office 2024?
No, Office 2021 and Office 2024 are separate products. A new license will need to be purchased to use Office 2024.
Q9. Which option is better after Office 2021?
In our opinion, there are two better options:
Office 2024 (Standalone License) – Supported until 2029
Microsoft 365 (Subscription Model) – Continuous new features and updates
Q10. Which Microsoft developer tools will reach the end of support in 2026?
The following tools will reach the end of support in 2026:
.NET 9
.NET 8 (LTS)
PowerShell 7.4 (LTS)
All of these will reach the end of support on November 10, 2026.
Q11. What should Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 users do?
After October 13, 2026, no ESU security updates will be available for these server versions. Therefore, migrating to a newer version of Windows Server will be mandatory.
Q12. Is upgrading now the right decision?
Yes, upgrading before the end of support is a safer, more stable, and better long-term strategy. This helps avoid security risks and system problems.
Also read:
Microsoft’s Windows 11 SE: An OS that challenged ChromeOS, now set to become history in 10 months
Microsoft will now let you share app windows directly with Copilot from the Windows 11 taskbar
Another new model of AirPods Pro 3 is coming: The next big upgrade with an IR camera
How to Remove api.cactus-search.com (All Methods) – Complete Information
How to Normalize Volume in Windows 11 – Complete Step-by-Step Guide
How to Launch Multiple Apps Simultaneously in Windows – A Complete and Effective Guide
[…] Microsoft’s 2026 End-of-Support Plan: Major Update on Windows 11 24H2, Office 2021, and Other Prod… […]
[…] Microsoft’s 2026 End-of-Support Plan: Major Update on Windows 11 24H2, Office 2021, and Other Prod… […]