Advisory ID NCC-CSIRT-200723-028
Summary: In three months' time, on October 10, 2023, Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11, version 21H2. This includes the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 21H2 that were released in October 2021. Consequently, after the end-of-service (EOS) date, devices running Windows 11 21H2 with the aforementioned editions will no longer receive security updates and monthly quality updates containing fixes and patches for newly identified vulnerabilities and security concerns.
Threat Type(s): Vulnerability
Impact/Vulnerability: CRITICAL/HIGH
Product(s): Windows 11
Platform(s): Windows Operating System
Version(s): Windows 11 21H2 for Home, Pro Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions released in October 2021.
Description: On October 10, 2023, the support for Windows 11 21H2 Home and Pro editions, which were released in October 2021, will come to an end. Once the end of service (EOS) date is reached, devices running these editions of Windows 11 21H2 will no longer receive important security and quality updates that provide bug fixes and patches to address newly identified security vulnerabilities. It is therefore advised to avoid using such an operating system, particularly for sensitive functions, as it may become more vulnerable to potential risks and threats.
Consequences: An operating system that lacks support for patches and security updates is susceptible to attacks, as any underlying vulnerabilities that may exist will remain unaddressed.
Solution: For those who are still using Windows 11 Home and Pro version 21H2, it is recommended to take the following mitigation measures into consideration:
- Upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11.
- Users should consult the Windows Lifecycle FAQ and utilize the Lifecycle Policy search tool to obtain additional information about the specific end-of-service dates for Windows.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/end-of-support/end-of-support-2022
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/windows
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/?terms=windows