Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 operating system on October 14, 2025.
What does this mean?
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical assistance for the Windows 10 operating system. Therefore, it's important that you upgrade to Windows 11, which can provide the latest security updates to help keep you and your data safer. This does not mean your Windows 10 computer will stop functioning; it will continue to function but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
What is DECS doing?
On October 15, 2025, DECS will block all Windows 10 computers from accessing the network, with no exceptions. All Windows 10 computers, whether it be a physical computer or a virtual machine, will lose access to local network resources and the Internet.
You can use the below link to open your computers About menu. This will display your Windows Version under the Windows Specifications field.
Click this link to open your About Settings
You will find your Windows version on this screen. You may need to scroll down in order to see it.
Alternatively, you can check your Windows version by selecting your Start Menu and running the command winver. Doing so will open a small window that will provide you with your Windows version.
Please contact the DECS Support Office if you need additional assistance in identifying or confirming your version of Windows.
DECS has made the Windows 11 upgrade available via Software Center. This will allow you to upgrade your computer at your convenience without having to bring the computer to the DECS Support Office. The instructions for upgrading can be found below.
Alternatively, you can bring your device down to the DECS Support Office for assistance with upgrading with your operating system.
We understand that situations exist where an upgrade from Windows 10 is not possible or is problematic; such as an embedded computer in specialized research equipment or older hardware that will not support Windows 11. We can assist in developing a solution that will facilitate continued research without compromising security.
This update will not affect the data you have on your computer so you do not need to backup your data beforehand. The update is expected to take a couple of hours. Please make sure that you initiate this update at a time when you will not be needing your computer again for at least a few hours. Additionally, you should save and close any files/programs that you have open as the computer will reboot multiple times during this process. If you are using a laptop then please ensure that you have your charger or dock connected.
Please note that your network connection will affect how long this update takes. While this should work over the VPN, we strongly encourage doing this upgrade while connected directly to the EGR network
You can update your computer by using Software Center on your computer. If you do not see Software Center on your computer please contact DECS at your earliest convenience for further assistance/guidance.
After opening Software Center, select Operating Systems from the left hand side.
If your current version of Windows 10 is version 2004 or newer (instructions for checking this can be found above in the "How do I know if" section), you will select the Windows 11 Upgrade. If your Windows 10 is older than version 2004 then you will need to run the Windows 10 22H2 upgrade first.
After selecting your update, select the Install button to begin the upgrade process. If you have any issues with the process then please contact DECS at your earliest convenience.
If your computer does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11 then you will receive the below error window. Clicking the "Inspect" button will provide information on what specifically caused the failure.
Selecting the "Inspect" button will open a new window that will give you more specific information on what is preventing your update. Some of these errors will require you to contact DECS for further assistance.
