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Windows 10 End Of Life

Windows 10 End of Support October 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on 14th October 2025. After this date, no further updates will be provided for this operating system for most users.

To maintain device and network security, the University has purchased Extended Security Updates (ESU) for University devices which continue to run Windows 10. This ensures that critical Microsoft updates will continue to install on supported University devices beyond the October 2025 end-of-support date.

Privately owned devices are excluded from this program.

It is strongly recommended that suitable standard devices be reimaged to Windows 11 over the coming months or upgraded using Windows Update.

Device Guidance

Standard devices purchased from Dell in recent months come preloaded with the University’s Windows 11 image; no further action is required for these devices.
Standard devices purchased from 2020 onwards are generally compatible with Windows 11 and may be upgraded to Windows 11.
Standard devices purchased prior to 2020 are unlikely to meet Windows 11’s technical requirements and are typically out of warranty. These should be scheduled for replacement as soon as possible.
If your standard device is in warranty and meets Windows 11 requirements, ISS can re-image it. Please log a ticket to initiate this process, ensuring first that your data is backed up before handing over the device. Instructions on how to log a ticket can be found here. Devices that are well out of warranty will not be re-imaged by ISS. These should be retired and replaced.
If Windows Updates offers to upgrade to Windows 11, the recommendation is that you take this option. It is advisable to ensure all local data is backed up to OneDrive BEFORE you start this process. The upgrade process can take some time and involve a number of restarts.

You can check your Dell warranty status by following instructions here.

If you need help assessing your device’s compatibility or planning for replacement, please contact the Service Desk.

For details on Windows 11 system requirements, visit Windows 11 Specifications | Microsoft.

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Windows 10 to 11 - Using Windows Update

Microsoft allow Windows 10 devices to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11 subject to the device meeting the minimium specified hardware requirements. Generally, this is any device that is up to 5 years of age.

If you do NOT see the option to upgrade, it is advisable to look at replacing your device. However, please log a ticket where ISS can review the device to confirm its ability or otherwise to get an upgrade.

Staff can kick this process off themselves. However, it is recommeneded that you:

Ensure all data on the device is synching correctly to OneDrive. Be sure to login to the web version of OneDrive and logging in with your University Accounts. Toggle to OneDrive using the dots on the top left of the screen
Be aware that some programs may not work with Windows 11. By in large, these can be older legacy pieces of software. It is up to the user to check this and satisify themselves that an upgrade will work for them
You may need to reinstall some programs if you find they do not work correctly after the upgrade
Note the process can be time consuming and may take a number of restarts to complete
You must be on the internet for the upgrade to complete at all times. Please use a wired network connection if possible
If you are using a laptop, please ensure you have it connected to a charger