Microsoft sets 2026 end dates for Windows 11 24H2, Office 2021 and several server products

Microsoft support end 2026 Windows 11 24H2 Office 2021 SQL Server 2016 Publisher discontinuation

Microsoft announced that support for a range of its software will end in 2026. The Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 24H2 will lose security updates and bug fixes on 13 October 2026. The same date marks the end of support for the Office 2021 suite, including all LTSC versions, and the complete retirement of Microsoft Publisher.

Server and database products are also affected: extended security updates for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will cease on 13 October 2026, while the extended support for SQL Server 2016 and SharePoint Server 2016/2019 ends on 14 July 2026. Additional developer tools such as .NET 8, .NET 9 and PowerShell 7.4 will stop receiving updates on 10 November 2026.

Microsoft advises users and IT administrators to plan migrations to newer operating system versions, Microsoft 365 subscriptions, or the upcoming Office LTSC 2024 release to maintain security and compliance.