Microsoft has ended monthly security updates for Windows 11 version 23H2 on Enterprise and Education editions, closing support for a release that remains in use across many organisational PC fleets. The final update arrived with the November Patch Tuesday release, and the end-of-servicing date was 10 November 2026.
The change also applies to Windows 11 Enterprise multi-session. Devices that remain on the affected release will no longer receive the regular security fixes Microsoft provides through its servicing programme. For organisations in India running these editions, the deadline makes Windows version planning relevant not only for compatibility but also for continued security maintenance.
Microsoft recommends Windows 11 26H2
Microsoft is directing affected customers towards Windows 11 version 26H2, which began shipping on 29 September 2026. The company’s latest guidance replaces earlier recommendations that pointed customers towards Windows 11 25H2. Microsoft had previously named 25H2 as the destination in advisories issued during August and September, before later referring more generally to a supported Windows 11 version.
The choice affects how long an organisation can remain on the next release before another servicing deadline arrives. Microsoft’s published lifecycle dates show the following schedule:
| Windows 11 version | Released | Enterprise and Education updates end |
|---|---|---|
| 23H2 | 31 October 2023 | 10 November 2026 |
| 24H2 | 1 October 2024 | 12 October 2027 |
| 25H2 | 30 September 2025 | 10 October 2028 |
| 26H2 | 29 September 2026 | 9 October 2029 |
Why the destination version matters
Windows 11 25H2 receives Enterprise and Education updates until 10 October 2028, while 26H2 is covered until 9 October 2029. The two dates are separated by 364 days. Organisations that planned to move from 23H2 to 25H2 may therefore face an earlier subsequent upgrade than those that move to 26H2.
Microsoft says the transition to 26H2 can be relatively small for compatible machines already running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. Those devices can receive KB5121794 as an enablement package. The package activates features already delivered through monthly servicing and requires a single restart, rather than a full operating-system installation.
- Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education: security updates ended on 10 November 2026.
- Windows 11 26H2: Enterprise and Education servicing is scheduled through 9 October 2029.
- KB5121794: the enablement package applies to devices already on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2.
Systems still running Windows 11 23H2 cannot use that shortcut, according to the published guidance. IT administrators will need to account for the applicable upgrade path, device readiness and organisational rollout requirements before moving production machines to a supported Windows 11 release.
Microsoft had already ended support for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 in November 2025. The latest deadline specifically concerns Enterprise, Education and Enterprise multi-session deployments, which are more likely to be managed centrally by businesses, schools and other institutions.
