Introduction
Microsoft is ending support for the Windows 10 operating system on Oct. 14, 2025. After this date, important features such as security updates, software updates, and technical support from Microsoft will no longer be available by default.
Affected university-owned devices must be upgraded or enrolled in extended security updates
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Departmental Devices
Departments must take one of the following actions for any university devices that are running Windows 10 to remain in compliance with Virginia Tech’s Minimum IT Security Standards and Policy for Securing Technology Resources and Services:
- Upgrade to the Windows 11 operating system. Devices that are compatible with Windows 11 should be upgraded before Oct. 14.
- Enroll in Extended Security Updates. For devices that cannot be upgraded, departments can purchase Extended Security Update licenses for each Windows 10 device, for up to three years, via the Software Service Center.
Departments may also request an exception to minimum security standards in certain cases.
Employees should work with their department’s IT team to coordinate operating system upgrades on their university-owned devices. On average, upgrades take about one hour to complete, and the device must be plugged in and connected to the network throughout the process — make sure that you or your users have ample time to allow the upgrade to be completed.
Personal Devices
Students and employees who are running Windows 10 on their personal devices are strongly encouraged to upgrade their operating systems or replace any devices that are not compatible with the upgrade. Keep in mind that any device that connects to a Virginia Tech wired or wireless is required to be compliant with the university’s IT Security Standards. Consumer instructions for upgrading to Windows 11 are available on Microsoft’s website.
Questions
| For questions about Enrolling in Extended Security Updates | Transfer the incident to Software Service Center |
| For questions related to the VT News announcement and its relevance to compliance with Minimum Security Standards or other policies | Transfer the incident to ITSO |
| For questions from faculty or staff who need to upgrade |
Refer user to their departmental IT team Transfer the incident to the departmental IT group [if a partner in ServiceNow]
|
| Download the update - Faculty / Staff | network.software.vt.edu |
| Download the update - Students | network.software.vt.edu |
| Additional Microsoft Support | https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/can-i-upgrade-to-windows-11-14c25efc-ecb7-4ce6-a3dd-7e2e24476997 |
Once student users log in, they should see a list of all products they are eligible to download:
If a student needs assistance with upgrading to Windows 11, once they have downloaded the file to upgrade, they can visit In-Person support during regular business hours.