Quick answer: “Your version of Windows has reached the end of service” means your PC is on a Windows 11 or Windows 10 version that no longer gets security updates. It isn’t an error with your PC. On Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates and choose Download and install on the newer version. If nothing is offered, run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s download page. Your files and apps stay in place.
Applies to: Windows 11 Home and Pro, and Windows 10, when Windows Update shows this message. Dates below are from Microsoft’s release information as of October 2026.
In this guide
What the message means
Each Windows 11 version (such as 24H2 or 25H2) gets monthly security updates for a fixed time: 24 months for Home and Pro, 36 months for Enterprise and Education. When that time runs out, Windows Update shows this message and stops sending security fixes for that version. The PC keeps working, but it becomes less safe over time.
Here’s where each version stands for Home and Pro:
| Windows 11 version | Home and Pro status |
|---|---|
| 21H2, 22H2, 23H2 | End of updates (23H2 ended on November 11, 2025) |
| 24H2 | End of updates (October 2026) |
| 25H2 | Supported until October 12, 2027 |
| 26H2 (latest) | Supported until October 10, 2028 |
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Home PCs can still get security fixes through the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which Microsoft has extended to October 12, 2027. If you’re already enrolled, your coverage continues automatically. If not, look for Enroll now in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update; it needs Windows 10 version 22H2 and a Microsoft account, and it’s free if you back up your settings with Windows Backup.
Check which version you have
Press Win + R, type winver and press Enter. The window shows the version (for example Version 24H2) and the OS build. You can also see it under Settings > System > About in Windows specifications.
Fix it on Windows 11
- Back up important files to OneDrive or an external drive. Feature updates keep your data, but a backup is sensible.
- Make sure you have at least 20 GB of free space on the C: drive.
- Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart.
- Check again. When a box offers the newer version (for example “Windows 11, version 25H2”), select Download and install.
- Restart when asked. The PC may restart more than once.
Moving from 24H2 to 25H2 is usually a small enablement package that installs in minutes, because both versions share the same core. Moving from 23H2 or older is a full upgrade and takes longer.
If Windows Update doesn’t offer the new version
Windows Update sometimes holds back a version on PCs with a known compatibility issue, or doesn’t offer it yet. You can install it yourself:
- Go to Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page and select Download Now under Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
- Run the downloaded file, accept the terms and select Accept and install.
- Leave the PC on and plugged in. It restarts to finish the upgrade.
If the Assistant says your PC is blocked by a compatibility hold, update your drivers (especially graphics and audio) and the app it names, then try again later. A hold is Microsoft’s way of protecting the PC from a known problem, so waiting is often the right call.
On a work or school PC, IT controls which version you get. Ask them rather than upgrading yourself.
If you’re on Windows 10
- Upgrade to Windows 11 for free: if your PC meets the requirements, Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update shows the upgrade offer. The PC Health Check app tells you whether it qualifies. You can also use the Installation Assistant described above.
- Work or school PCs: your organisation may still be paying for business ESU; ask IT before upgrading.
- PCs that can’t run Windows 11: enroll in consumer ESU to keep getting security fixes until October 12, 2027. Keep the browser and security software up to date, and plan to replace the PC before then.
If the upgrade fails
- Error 0xc1900101: usually a driver problem; see 0xc1900101-0x20017.
- “We couldn’t update the system reserved partition”: see how to fix the system reserved partition error.
- Windows Update can’t connect: see we couldn’t connect to the update service.
- Low disk space after upgrading: once you’re happy with the new version, you can delete Windows.old to get space back.
Related guides
- 0xc1900101-0x20017: how to fix the Windows upgrade error
- “We couldn’t update the system reserved partition” in Windows 11
- “We couldn’t connect to the update service”: 7 fixes for Windows 11/10
- How to delete Windows.old in Windows 11 and 10
Official sources: for more detail, see Microsoft’s own pages:
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 11 release information
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 11 Home and Pro lifecycle
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 11, version 23H2 reaching end of updates
Frequently asked questions
Is this message a scam or a virus?
Not when it appears in Settings > Windows Update. It’s a genuine Windows notice. A pop-up in a web browser telling you to call a number or download a “fix” is a scam.
Will updating delete my files?
No. A Windows 11 version update keeps your files, apps and settings. Keep a backup anyway.
Can I keep using an unsupported version?
It keeps working, but it no longer gets security fixes, so new vulnerabilities stay open. Updating is free on Windows 11.
Why does the message stay after I updated?
Check winver again. If it still shows the old version, the update didn’t complete; restart and run Check for updates again, or use the Installation Assistant.
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