Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 22H2 will no longer receive security updates as of October. To address the issue of leaving users with an insecure and unsupported operating system, Microsoft has proposed a solution: forced upgrades.

The announcement, titled “90-Day Reminder: Upcoming end of servicing date for some editions of Windows 11, versions 21H2 and 22H2,” states that on October 8, 2024, Windows 11, version 21H2 (Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions) and Windows 11, version 22H2 (Home and Pro editions) will reach end of servicing. The October 2024 security update will be the last update available for these editions.

After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates that protect against the latest security threats. Regarding the forced upgrades, Microsoft explains that Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 11 business devices not managed by IT departments when they are nearing end of servicing.

Upgrading to Windows 11, version 23H2 allows devices to remain supported and receive critical monthly updates for security and ecosystem health. Although the concept of forced upgrades may be unwelcome for some users, there are few valid reasons for wanting to stick with these older versions of Windows 11.

Therefore, while it may not be popular, the decision by Microsoft to implement forced upgrades is understandable.