The End of Support Date for Windows 11 Has Been Confirmed: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]

Authored by

Sherly 

Written by

Tracy King 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

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Release Date and Background of Windows 11:

It is common knowledge that Windows 11 was launched and released on October 5, 2021. Microsoft introduced seven editions of the new operating system for different Windows users to update and install:

• Windows 11 Home
• Windows 11 Pro
• Windows 11 Pro for Education
• Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
• Windows 11 Enterprise
• Windows 11 Education
• Windows 11 Holographic

Among these editions, Windows 11 Home and Pro have the most users. However, one significant change is that the system requirements for installing Windows 11 are very different from those of Windows 10. Therefore, Microsoft recommends that all Windows users use the Windows 11 PC Health Check app to confirm whether their computer is compatible with Windows 11.

Update: The current Windows 11 is also referred to as Sun Valley, and the latest iteration – Windows 11 Sun Valley 2 (22H2) – has been confirmed for a March 2022 release to all users.

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When will Windows 11 end of support arrive, and what should you do when the time comes? That's what this page is all about. Read on to find your answers.

End of Support Date for Windows 11

So far, Microsoft has released several versions to improve the performance of this new OS – Windows 11. However, some of you might be wondering when Windows 11 will reach its end of support, and here's what we know so far.

So, what happens when Windows 11 reaches its end of support? Scroll on to find out all the issues you'll encounter once Windows 11 is no longer supported.

What happens when Windows 11 reaches end of service

Here's a list of potential issues that could arise once Windows 11 reaches its end of support:

#1. End of Mainstream Support

Once that's done, you'll continue to receive updates to the Windows operating system. Microsoft recommends that all Windows users get and install the latest Windows updates as they become available.

#2. Extended Support End

Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for your PC.

Mainstream support typically lasts for five years, after which an extended support phase, also of about five years, begins.

#3. No longer updating

After extended support ends, Microsoft will provide no updates for your system, including security patches. Computers running an outdated version of Windows will be left vulnerable to viruses, bugs, and malware.

Will I be able to use Windows 11 (Sun Valley) after 2024?

Most Windows users who have installed Sun Valley on their PCs probably have one question on their minds: “Can I continue to use Windows 11 (Sun Valley) after 2024?”

The answer is both “yes” and “no.”

• The reason for "yes" is that as the owner of the computer, you have the choice to keep your current Windows 11 even after it reaches its end of service.
• The reason for "no" is that a new operating system with security patches can provide a better and safer working environment for you.

If your device meets the software and hardware requirements for the new Windows 11 or Windows N, running the new operating system will be more secure and efficient on your device.

What happens when Windows 11 reaches end of support?

From the answers listed above, it's clear that you have two options once Windows 11 reaches its end of support:

• #1. Keep Windows 11 (for Older Computers)
• #2. Upgrade from Windows 11 to the Newer Windows OS (for New Computers)

Whether you stick with Windows 11 or upgrade to the new operating system will depend largely on the health of your computer's hardware.

For older computers, the sensible choice is to stick with what works, so that they continue to function reliably. For newer machines that are compatible with the latest versions of Windows, you can opt to keep upgrading to the latest Windows N, such as the upcoming Windows Sun Valley 2.

#1. Stay with Windows 11

If you do opt to run Windows 11 on your PC, here are some tips to optimize its performance and keep your old machine running smoothly.

**1. Run an antivirus scan to clean up viruses and malware**

When support for Windows ends, Windows Defender or Windows Security may not be able to continue blocking malware or viruses on your PC.

To ensure your computer is clean, you should first run an antivirus tool or software to remove viruses and prevent malware from infecting your device.

Here are some recommended powerful antivirus software options you can try:

• AVG
• Avast
• Avira
• Eset
• McAfee
• Norton

2. Extend C drive to reserve enough space for system

As your computer ages, it can slow down for any number of reasons, including hardware issues, a full System C drive, and even virus infections.

Among these factors, an insufficient system C drive is the major issue that can significantly slow down your computer. This problem can also be easily resolved by managing the current disk partitions and making the most of the available space on your hard drive.

For this, you can fully rely on the professional partition management software - AOMEI Partition Assistant. With its powerful features, you can efficiently expand C drive space on your current Windows 11 computer:

Option 1: Expand the System C drive using unallocated space

1. Right-click on the System C drive and select "Resize/Move." 2. Drag the endpoint of the system partition to the unallocated space, adding it to the C drive. Then click "OK." 3. Click "Apply" and "Execute Task" to perform the operation and extend the C drive.

Option 2: Extend System C Drive without Unallocated Space

1. Right-click on a partition with ample space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space." 2. In the "Allocate space from (*) to" section, choose the system drive, then drag the end of the C drive system partition to the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Perform Tasks" to view the pending operations, then click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend the system drive using unallocated space; 0:27-0:58 Extend the system drive without unallocated space.

< strong > 3. Migrate Windows 11 to a Faster SSD

In addition to freeing up space on the C drive, another effective way to boost the performance of a Windows 11 computer is to migrate the operating system from an old hard disk to a faster SSD.

SSDs outperform HDDs in both reading and writing speeds, and their high stability also make them the perfect choice for users to set as the operating system drive. In addition, a partition master tool with the "Migrate OS to SSD/HDD" feature can help you effectively replace and upgrade your Windows 11 system disk with a faster new SSD.

Before you begin, make sure the new SSD is correctly installed in your computer and has been initialized.

Then, proceed with the following steps:

Caution: If there is insufficient unallocated space on the target disk, migrating the operating system to an SSD or HDD will delete the existing partitions and data on the target disk. Back up any important data on the disk to an external hard drive beforehand.

Step 1. From the left-hand menu, choose "Clone". Select "Migrate the operating system" and click "Next" to proceed.

Step 2.  Select the target disk to which you want to clone. Click “Next”.

Step 3. Click “Yes” after reading the warning message. All data and partitions on the target disk will be erased. Make sure you have backed up all important data. If not, please do it now.

Step 4. Preview the layout of the target disk. You can also click on the Layout option to customize the layout of the target disk as needed. Then click Start to begin migrating the operating system to the new disk.

Step 5: When you see the confirmation message asking whether you want to boot from the cloned disk, check the box to adjust the boot order from the cloned target disk as needed, then click the corresponding button.

• Reboot Now: Immediately restart the computer and boot the operating system from the new disk.
• Finish: Apply the changes at a later time.

Confirm to clone OS to the new drive

After that, remember to enter the BIOS setup and configure the new SSD as the boot drive.

• Restart your computer and press F1, F2, or Del to enter BIOS.
• Navigate to the Boot Order settings and configure it to boot from your new SSD.

Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

After the restart, you should be able to use Windows 11 at a faster pace.

**4. Create backups of important data**

Make sure you have a plan in place to protect your data when Windows 11 reaches its end of life.

You can manually copy all your files to an external storage device, or upload some valuable computer content to a cloud drive. However, if you prefer automated backup software, don't miss the reliable file backup software - Todo Backup tool. With just a few simple steps, it will let you successfully back up everything in Windows 11.

#2. Upgrade to the Latest Windows 11 Operating System

If you want to upgrade to a new operating system after Windows 11 reaches its end of support, you have a comprehensive guide to follow to get the latest Windows updates.

**1. Check the system requirements for the new Windows operating system**

The key to upgrading to a new operating system is making sure that your computer meets the system requirements.

Now that Microsoft has confirmed that a new Windows version is on the way, if you're planning to upgrade from Windows 11 to the newer version, your PC will need to meet or exceed the system requirements for Windows 11:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor or SoC with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB RAM
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
• Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics/WDDM 2.x
• Display: High definition (720p) display greater than 9 inches diagonal
• Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for setup of Windows and to download and use some features.

2. Upgrading to the new Windows (11 Sun Valley 2) after the end of support

How will you get the latest OS updates, though? While Windows 11 Sun Valley 2 is on the way, you can try either of these two methods:

In case of any disastrous event, we hope you'll be able to take care of your computer. Please make sure to create a system image of your setup.

Also, make sure you have enough space on your system's C drive to install the new updates. If not, seek help from Method 2 in Case 1.

Option 1: Get Windows 11 22H2 - Sun Valley 2 through the Insider Program

Press Windows + S to open Settings, then click on "Updates & Security." Click on "Windows Insider Program," and then select "Developer Channel."

• Confirm the privacy statement, and then click **Restart now**.
• After your device restarts, make sure that **Optional diagnostic data** is selected.
• Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update**, and then click **Check for updates**.

Option 2: Download and install the public release of Windows 11 22H2

When a new version of Windows 11 or an update is ready, you'll receive a notification. If you missed the notification, you can still get the update from your computer by following these steps:

Go to “Settings,” then click “Update & Security,” then “Windows Update,” and then “Check for updates.”

When an update is found, click Install now to get the updated version of Windows.

Follow the on-screen instructions, and you will be able to download and install a new operating system on your computer successfully, despite Microsoft's efforts to prevent you from doing so.

Conclusions

On this page, we discuss when Windows 11 reaches its end of support, the relevant dates, and provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to do when Microsoft stops supporting this system. Don't panic just yet.

Firstly, you need to decide whether to stick with Windows 11 or continue upgrading Windows 11 to a newer operating system. Then, you can follow the instructions provided on this page. Hopefully, that helps.