Overview
In October 2025, Microsoft will discontinue support for the Windows 10 operating system, which includes ending the development and release of security patches essential for protecting university computers. As a result, UNIT will also gradually phase out its support for Windows 10, starting in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025. Of important note:
- UNIT will no longer support the operating system
- Villanova-managed computers running Windows 10 will be prevented from accessing Villanova resources, in phases, beginning Winter 2024.
Impact on Students
Students with personally-owned Windows 10 computers should plan to upgrade or replace their computer by the start of Academic Year 25-26. The UNIT TechZone locations and Service Desk will not support Windows 10 devices by October, 2025.
Impact on Faculty and Staff
University-Issued Windows 10 Computers
University-issued Windows 10 computers must to be returned to UNIT by January 10, 2024. These computers were issued as part of a prior (2019 and earlier) university-wide PC Refresh and are no longer supported by UNIT. Owners of these computers will be notified by UNIT with instructions on how to return the device.
Department-Issued Windows 10 Computers
Department-issued Windows 10 computers will be handled on a case-by-case basis. For departments that are primarily supported by UNIT, owners of these computers will be notified by UNIT with instructions on how to proceed. For computers that fall into this category, there are four paths:
- Decommissioning
If the computer is no longer required, it can be returned and decommissioned by UNIT.
- Upgrade to Windows 11
If the computer meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11, it can be upgraded. Note that UNIT will not upgrade devices that are older than 4 years due to the age of the computer and hardware spec requirements.
- Replacement
A replacement computer can be purchased via Villanova-approved channels. UNIT-recommended Dell standards are available on the Dell punch out in NovaBuy. If none of those standards meet your requirements, please request a consultation and UNIT will consult with you on your needs.
- Upgrade to Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSC)
This option is reserved for scenarios in which a running application or attached instrument/peripheral does not support Windows 11.