Microsoft says several of its products, including Windows 11 version 24H2 and Office 2021, will reach end-of-support in 2026. Although users will still be able to use the software, the lack of security updates may expose systems to new threats.
Windows 11 version 24H2 is scheduled to reach end of support in October 2026, creating the most immediate impact for consumers and enterprises alike, just one year after Windows 10 exited support. Microsoft has already started rolling out automatic upgrades to version 25H2 on eligible hardware, with the update set to become mandatory for the remaining 24H2 users. The cutoff also signals the end of Windows 11 SE, as 24H2 represents the education-focused OS’s final supported version.
The five-year support lifecycle for the perpetual-license Microsoft Office 2021, covering LTSC editions on both Windows and Mac, ends on October 13, 2026. Users who prefer to avoid a Microsoft 365 subscription but still want ongoing security patches and feature updates will need to move to the standalone Office 2024 edition. That upgrade carries a cost increase, with Office 2021 licenses frequently priced below $40, compared with an approximate $150 retail price for Office 2024.
Office 2024 includes several updates across its core apps. Word improves ODF compatibility and collaboration, Excel introduces new array functions, and PowerPoint adds support for voice recording and ink annotations.
The changes also affect enterprise infrastructure and development environments:
- Windows 11 Enterprise/Education 23H2 editions lose support in November 2026.
- Windows Server 2022 transitions from Mainstream to Extended Support on October 13, 2026, continuing free security updates but ending non-security fixes and feature requests.
- A suite of legacy server products reach end-of-support on July 14, 2026, including SharePoint Server 2016/2019, Project Server 2016/2019, and SharePoint Designer 2013.
- Development tools .NET 9, .NET 8 LTS, and PowerShell 7.4 LTS will also retire throughout the year.
Once support ends, sticking with these products becomes a security gamble. The company is telling businesses and everyday users alike to check what they’re running and start planning upgrades or a shift to newer, cloud-based options.
Full List of 2026 End-of-Support Dates:
- January 13: Advanced Threat Analytics 1.X
- Multiple Dates: Dynamics 2016
- May 12: .NET 9
- July 14: InfoPath 2013, Project Server 2016/2019, SharePoint Designer 2013, SharePoint Server 2016/2019
- October 13: Office 2021, Office LTSC 2021, Windows Server 2022 (moves to Extended Support)
- October 2026: Windows 11, version 24H2 & Windows 11 SE
- November 2026: Windows 11 Enterprise/Education 23H2
- November 10: .NET 8 LTS, PowerShell 7.4 LTS
Maybe you would like other interesting articles?