Windows 11 23H2 support has ended: how to update to 26H2

The machines will keep working. But any vulnerability found from here on stays open, which is a real risk for companies, schools and public authorities.

How do I check which Windows 11 version I have?

Open the system information on your device. The version number is listed there. If it says 23H2, you are on the version that just lost support.

How do I update from 23H2 to 26H2?

Microsoft recommends moving to version 26H2 as soon as possible, so you keep getting monthly security and quality updates. According to Winfuture, there is no quick route this time. A direct jump from 23H2 to 26H2 with a so-called enablement package (a small switch that unlocks features already on your PC) does not work. You need a full feature update instead. Microsoft offers the ISO files for download on its own site.

Why are so many people still on old versions?

Windows 11 arrived in October 2021, yet Statcounter data suggests roughly one in four Windows PCs still runs its predecessor, even though regular Windows 10 support ended in October 2025. Part of the reluctance is tied to the flood of AI features. Many users find the technology useful, but trust and data security worries remain. Microsoft even added AI to Notepad, an app people like precisely because it is minimal.

Microsoft has since dialled back AI in Windows 11 and says it wants to focus on features that are genuinely useful. In early March, Windows Central reported that the company had quietly shelved plans for more features under the Copilot label.