Still on Windows 11 23H2? Act soon! Your update deadline is almost here

What end of support means for you

Once the end-of-support date rolls around, PCs running Windows 11 23H2 will no longer receive security updates—and that means any newly discovered security vulnerabilities will remain unpatched. This increases the risk of suffering malware, data loss, and hack attempts for anyone who remains on Windows 11 23H2.

Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, which has been available since October 2024. The new version brings improved AI integration, enhanced Copilot features for more productive work, and stronger security features (e.g., protections against phishing and ransomware). Microsoft will refuse technical support without an update.

However, not all devices can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 without problems. So-called “safeguard holds” may block the update on PCs that have hardware or software with known conflicts, such as certain audio drivers, webcam software, or older apps. Users should check their update status in the Windows settings or use the Media Creation Tool.

What you should do now

Microsoft is urging users to upgrade as soon as possible to avoid security vulnerabilities. Anyone who can switch to Windows 11 24H2 should do so quickly—the installation is usually straightforward and brings new features and improvements. For devices with safeguard holds, it’s advisable to regularly check for update releases or fix existing problems.

Alternatively, users with incompatible hardware can consider switching to Linux platforms such as Plasma Desktop, which often run well on older devices and offer long-term updates.