On the most recent Patch Tuesday, Microsoft released security updates for the original edition of Windows 11 for the last time. If you haven’t yet updated to the major 2022 feature update for Windows 11, now is the right moment.
The reason for this is the discontinuation of support for Windows 11 version 21H2. This impacts the following editions:
– Windows 11 Home version 21H2 – Windows 11 Pro Version 21H2 – Windows 11 Pro for Workstations version 21H2 – Windows 11 Pro Education Version 21H2
There are some exceptions to this change. Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise Multisession editions of this version will be supported until October 10, 2024, and will thus continue to receive security updates from Microsoft until that date.
Luckily, the upgrade is as easy as it can be. For home users and unmanaged corporate devices reaching the end of their service life, or approaching it in the next few months, Windows 11 will automatically start a feature update through Windows Update.
Microsoft does this to guarantee ongoing support and continuation of crucial security updates for Windows 11 computers. For these devices, you can select the most convenient time to restart and complete the update.
It’s worth saying that Microsoft suggests always installing the latest version of Windows 11; currently, that’s Windows 11 22H2. Microsoft is expected to release the next major update for Windows 11, version 23H2, in the coming weeks.
Additionally, October 10 marked the end of support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2. However, since these are operating systems designed for corporate use, Microsoft offers an extension of the support period for a fee. This allows companies and organizations to purchase three more years to get additional time for a transition to newer Windows versions.