Windows 7 End of Support Plan

Overview

On January 14, 2020, Microsoft is ending support for the Windows 7 operating system. Once support ends, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for computers using Windows 7. To help keep the University of Colorado Denver and Anschutz Medical Campus information and data secure, Windows 7 computers will not be allowed to connect to the University’s wired or wireless network after support ends.

Why should you update your out-of-support operating system (OS)?

• Windows 10 provides even more functionality and design upgrades. The layout is much simpler than Windows 7, and according to Michael Muchmore from PCMag, the learning curve for Windows 10 is much easier to navigate.
• Windows 10 now comes with an app store, similar to iOS and Android devices, which allows users to browse and add available software.
• Windows 10 allows installation of current versions of software that may not be supported on Windows 7.
• End of support means there will be no more security patches or version updates. To hackers, this presents an opportunity to exploit vulnerable systems and the older OS puts our university data at risk.

Campus Goal to upgrade all computers running Windows 7 to Windows 10

Because the Windows 7 end of support will occur before the start of the spring 2020 semester, it is important that all Windows 7 computers be upgraded to Windows 10 before the fall 2019 semester ends. Therefore, we have set a campus goal for all eligible computers to be upgraded to Windows 10 by December 20, 2019.

Project Timeline

To assist our campus community with upgrading Windows 7 to Windows 10 prior to Microsoft's end of support, OIT has established the following project timeline:

• June 2017 – Communications began for end users and the Technology Support Community (TSC)
• June 10, 2019 – December 20, 2019 – End users and school/department IT staff begin upgrading Windows 7 systems to Windows 10
• December 20, 2019 - University goal for Windows 7 computers to be upgraded to Windows 10
• January 14, 2020 - Microsoft Windows 7 end of life
• After January 14 - Windows 7 computers cannot connect to the university network

We need your help to accomplish this goal

OIT will work closely with faculty, staff, department heads, and the TSC to offer the following support, information, and services:

• Help faculty, staff, and students check their computer OS to see if it needs an upgrade.
• Provide the TSC and department heads with specific lists of Windows 7 computers in their departments.
• Notify end users with Windows 7 systems that they will need to upgrade.