Windows 11 24H2 Archives

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 hits end of updates Oct. 13: What you should do now

Windows 11 version 24H2 for Home and Pro systems will stop receiving security updates on October 13, 2026. After this date, these editions will not receive any updates or technical support, although they will still boot. Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise multi-session editions will continue to receive support until October 12, 2027. Organizations are advised to verify their systems' versions and editions, especially for those without endpoint management systems. Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2 are available as upgrade options, with 25H2 supported until October 12, 2027, and 26H2 supported until October 10, 2028, for Home and Pro editions. The rollout of 26H2 will be phased, and safeguard holds may be implemented if compatibility issues are detected. Unmanaged Home and Pro devices on 24H2 will automatically receive 25H2, while managed devices may require IT intervention. Regular monitoring and proactive management of Windows versions are necessary to ensure compliance and avoid future deadlines.

Winsage

October 12, 2026

Microsoft Warns Windows Update Will Stop Working on Unpatched PCs Next Year

Microsoft is updating the certificates that authenticate communication between Windows PCs and Windows Update servers, with the current certificates expiring on May 17 and June 19, 2027. Users will generally not need to take action as the new certificates will be included in regular monthly security updates. Specific requirements for different Windows versions include: - Windows 11 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11 24H2: Must install the September 2025 security update or newer. - Other supported Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions: Need the July 2026 update or later before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Deadline of May 17, 2027. Devices running unsupported versions will lose access to Windows Update services. Home users with Windows 10 PCs not enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU) after October 2025 may miss the critical July 2026 patch. Microsoft has extended ESU coverage until October 12, 2027. Users should check their update history to ensure they have received a cumulative update from July 2026 or later.

Winsage

October 10, 2026

Windows 11 annual update is boring, but staying on 24H2 is a security risk

Microsoft has released Windows 11 26H2 as a low-disruption update that activates existing features for users who have kept up with monthly updates. Users on version 24H2 should upgrade soon, as support will end on October 13, 2026, and they will no longer receive security patches. The end of support for various Windows 11 versions is as follows: 26H2 on October 9, 2028; 26H1 on March 14, 2028; 25H2 on October 12, 2027; and 24H2 on October 13, 2026. The 26H2 update includes new security features, Start menu customization, and improvements to File Explorer and AI integration. Users must have 24H2 or 25H2 installed to access the update, which may not be available to all devices due to compatibility safeguards. It is recommended to create a System Restore Point before updating.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Microsoft: Outdated Windows devices will stop receiving security updates

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for devices running unsupported versions of Windows after the Windows Update certificate rotation in May and June 2027, specifically on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Users and administrators are advised to upgrade to a supported version of Windows before these dates to maintain system integrity. Replacement certificates have already been issued for supported versions, requiring no action for those systems. Specific upgrade guidance includes: - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Install the September 2025 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Other supported versions of Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and Windows 10: Install the July 2026 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Install the July 2026 security update or later before May 17, 2027. - Other Windows versions: Upgrade to a supported version of Windows client or Windows Server. IT administrators should evaluate their networks for unsupported Windows versions and ensure monthly updates are applied to supported devices. The directive does not apply to devices receiving updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Microsoft also announced the rollout of Windows 11, version 26H2, as an enablement package for eligible systems.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Microsoft discloses bug in Windows 11 September update causing apps using Dolby Digital to crash

On October 2, Microsoft announced that its optional preview update "KB5124010," released on September 22, causes crashes in applications using the Dolby Digital (AC-3) codec on Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2. The update does not include security fixes and affects media players, games, and certain line-of-business applications that rely on Windows' built-in AC-3 audio decoding. Symptoms include applications failing to launch or crashing during specific features like music playback. Users can check if they are affected by verifying their OS version, installed updates, and application implementation. Microsoft plans to address the issue in a future update, but a timeline is not provided. Users can uninstall KB5124010 or pause updates as temporary solutions. The update has already caused issues for the game "WARDOGS," leading to compatibility investigations by the publisher, Team17.

Winsage

October 6, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 Delivers 40% Faster Apps for 16 GB Systems; 8 GB Machines Left Behind

Windows 11 version 26H2 was released on September 29, 2026, featuring performance enhancements for users with 16 GB or more of RAM, including a reduction in idle memory consumption by 2–3 GB and a 40% acceleration in application and system interface launches. The update package is 174 kilobytes and activates previously dormant features, resetting the support lifecycle for Windows 11 Home and Pro until October 2028. The Low Latency Profile is a key feature that boosts CPU clock speed temporarily during application launches, resulting in faster interactions, with independent tests showing a 70% improvement in opening the Start menu. Users with 16 GB or more of RAM have reported idle RAM dropping from over 10 GB to around 7 GB after the update. However, users with 8 GB of RAM have experienced minimal improvements and high idle memory utilization. Microsoft is committed to optimizing Windows for 8 GB machines, but early reports suggest limited gains from 26H2.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Windows 11 24H2/25H2/26H2: Problems with preview update KB5124010

On September 22, 2026, Microsoft released the optional Preview Update KB5124010 for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, aimed at enhancing performance and addressing various issues, with broader distribution planned for October 2026. User feedback indicated concerns about complications from the update. A user reported that applications were crashing due to issues with the library file msmpeg2ac3dec.dll when multiple MP3 files were played simultaneously, affecting older games like SimCity 4 and Fallout New Vegas. The user's company’s telephone system, using innovaphone, also experienced crashes with the myApps client. The msmpeg2ac3dec.dll file was found only on systems upgraded from Windows 11 22H2, while fresh installations of 24H2 or 25H2 did not include it. A workaround involving the installation of "LAV Filters" was tested and found to resolve the crashing issue. Microsoft acknowledged the issues related to the Preview Update KB5124010, stating that applications requiring AC-3 audio decoding might close unexpectedly and that they are working on a resolution for this problem in a future update.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Microsoft Releases the Windows 11 2026 Update, Version 26H2, as a Small Enablement Package

Microsoft has rolled out the Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) for eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2. The update is being implemented as a controlled feature rollout and is delivered as an enablement package, activating features already integrated into the system. Versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share a unified servicing branch and codebase, making the installation process similar to a standard monthly cumulative update. Windows 11 26H2 consolidates various improvements, security enhancements, and fixes from version 25H2, with some features previously disabled in 25H2 now enabled by default. Installing 26H2 resets the support clock, providing 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Users can manually request the update through Windows Update settings. Organizations can deploy version 26H2 using Windows Autopatch and other management tools, with a recommendation for targeted deployment initially. Devices that shipped with Windows 11 version 26H1 cannot upgrade to 26H2 due to differences in the Windows core. Microsoft may also implement safeguard holds on devices with known compatibility issues, delaying the update until resolved.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Releases the Windows 11 2026 Update, Version 26H2, as a Small Enablement Package

Microsoft has unveiled the Windows 11 2026 Update, version 26H2, on September 29, 2023, accessible for eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2. The update is a controlled feature rollout and is delivered as an enablement package, activating features already embedded in the system. It consolidates improvements, security patches, and enhancements from the past year, with some features previously disabled in 25H2 now enabled by default in 26H2. Installing 26H2 resets the support lifecycle, providing 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Users can manually request the update through Windows Update settings. Organizations can deploy 26H2 via Windows Autopatch and other management tools, with targeted deployments recommended first. Devices that shipped with Windows 11 version 26H1 cannot upgrade to 26H2 and will receive a future upgrade path instead. Microsoft may also implement safeguard holds on devices with known compatibility issues.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Launches Windows 11 26H2 Update

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 26H2 update, introducing new features not available in the 25H2 version. Key enhancements include a revamped File Explorer with improved summarization and AI tools, an upgraded Windows Search prioritizing file searches, and updates to the Magnifier and Narrator. The update also expands voice command capabilities on the Copilot+ PC and refreshes the Start menu and Taskbar with new customization options. The support cycle for the 26H2 release extends to 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions and 24 months for Home and Pro editions, starting September 29, 2026. Microsoft has been rolling out support and updates since late 2024, with enablement packages allowing users on newer versions to upgrade easily, while older versions will require a full feature update to transition to 26H2.