Microsoft Windows 10 End of Support

General Information - Specific Guidance by Area Follows 

Microsoft Windows 10 will reach its End of Support (EoS) on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, technical support, or feature updates for the operating system. You can prepare for this date by upgrading to Windows 11 if your device meets the requirements, replacing your device if it doesn't, or as a last resort, enrolling in the paid Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security patches until October 2026. It should be noted that enrolling in Microsoft’s ESU program does not guarantee support of any software installed on the computer running Microsoft’s OS after October 14, 2025.  See below for some listed examples of vendors that have already provided information updates.  

What happens after End of Support, October 14, 2025? 

  • No more security updates:
    • Microsoft will stop releasing security patches, leaving your system vulnerable to new threats and malware.
  • No more technical assistance:
    • You will no longer receive technical support or other assistance from Microsoft for Windows 10.
  • No more feature updates:
    • The operating system will remain on its final version, which is version 22H2, and will not receive new features or enhancements.
  • Technical assistance stops:
    • You will no longer receive free technical support from Microsoft.
  • Your PC continues to work:
    • Your Windows 10 device will still function, but it will be more vulnerable to threats and potentially experience performance issues over time. 

Guidance for Columbia University IT Administrators

Your options after October 14, 2025

University Owned Devices: Need to be updated to Windows 11. CUIT Cybersecurity is recommending that all departments upgrade or replace devices as soon as possible due to potential vulnerability posed by lack of security patching. Devices that cannot be upgraded in time may be eligible for Windows 10 Extended Support (ESU Program) but this support only includes critical security patches and will come at an additional cost. Note: Extended support under the Microsoft ESU program does not guarantee support for any software that is installed on the user’s computer. Below we have listed several vendors that have provided updates on their products if installed on Microsoft OS. 

Non-University Owned Devices: Computers that are not the property of the University but are connecting to the Columbia network are still subject to the same policies as described within the Columbia IT Policies listed below. 

  1. Plan for Operating System Upgrade:
    • Meet with your Administrative leadership to prepare your plans to upgrade any University-owned/managed Windows 10 devices to Windows 11, as well as any Non-University Owned Windows 10 devices that are in your Department and connecting to the Columbia network and resources.
    • Employees of the University who qualify can download Windows 11 Enterprise, as well as Office 2021, 2024 for Windows from cuit.columbia.edu/cuit/software-downloads. If you do not have sufficient time to upgrade all of your devices to Windows 11, consider procurement of the Microsoft ESU Program for extended support of Windows 10 devices at a subscription cost through a Microsoft authorized reseller.
  2. The Microsoft ESU Program:
    • Microsoft is offering a paid subscription service for one year for organizations to continue with support and provide security updates.  Organizations should contact an authorized Microsoft reseller as prices vary based on volume, edition, perpetual license, etc.  A list of resellers is provided below (request an educational discount)
    • For more information:  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates
      • Please note the following:
        1. Purchase of Microsoft’s ESU program is not covered under the CU Microsoft campus agreement and is therefore an independent purchase by schools and depts. (Partial reseller list of Microsoft Resellers)
          • Dell Technologies
          • CDW
          • Insight
          • SHI
          • SoftwareOne
          • Zones
          • Broadcom
        2. Purchase of Microsoft’s ESU Program does not guarantee that patching or support of any additional software running on their Operating Systems. (Links below to several vendor disclaimers)
  3. Data Backup:
    • Ensure all important data is backed up before performing any upgrades. Utilize university-provided cloud storage solutions, or such as options like Box, for safeguarding important files. Microsoft is also providing storage options as part of their ESU program.

Additional References:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/end-of-support/windows-10-support https://support.crashplan.com/hc/en-us/articles/9160162474765-Supported-operating-systems https://slack.com/help/articles/115002037526-System-requirements-for-using-Slack 

Columbia University IT Policies: https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/content/network-protection-policy https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/content/registration-and-protection-endpoints-policy https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/content/registration-and-protection-systems-policy

Guidance for Columbia University PERSONALLY Owned Devices : Faculty, Staff and Students 

Microsoft Windows 10 End of Support

Microsoft Windows 10 will reach its End of Support (EoS) on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, technical support, or feature updates for the operating system. You can prepare for this date by upgrading to Windows 11 if your device meets the requirements.  That means purchasing a new computer. If you cannot afford one now,  you can  enroll in the paid subscription Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security patches and support until October 2026. 

Non-University Owned Devices: Computers that are not the property of the University but are connecting to the Columbia network are, however, still subject to the same policies as described within the Columbia IT Policies listed below. 

  1. Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11: The best option is to upgrade to Windows 11 for a more modern, secure, and efficient computing experience, provided your hardware meets the requirements.
  2. How do I upgrade my Windows 10 PC to Windows 11? Consumers upgrade to Windows 11 by going to Settings > Windows Update in their current Windows 10 PC and checking for updates. If their PC is eligible and the update is available, they can click "Download and install" and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade. For PCs that don't show the update, users can download and run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or use the Media Creation Tool to perform a clean install or create installation media. It should be noted that Word and Excel are NOT automatically included with Windows 11.
  3. Choose to stay on Windows 10: Enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for $30 per device for one year.  Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued security patches until October 2026.  There are some caveats in that not all software installed on the device may be patched and supported under this ESU program. 

FAQ

  • To check your Windows version, press the Windows key + R, type winver in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. A window will pop up showing your specific Windows version, such as Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Home, along with the OS build number. Alternatively, go to Settings > System > About to find this information under "Windows specifications".
  • Using the winver Command (Quick Method)
  • Press the Windows key and the R key on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type winver into the dialog box.
  • Press Enter or click OK.
  • A window will appear showing your Windows version and OS build number.
  • This video demonstrates how to use the winver command to check your Windows version: https://youtu.be/uHDLtvJ94Bs 

Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 2019 reach their "end of life" on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the software after this date, making it vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues. Users are recommended to upgrade to a supported version, such as Microsoft 365, to receive the latest features, security updates, and technical support. 

To check if you're using Office 2016 or 2019, open any Office application (like Word), click File, then select Account from the left-hand menu, and look under Product Information on the right to find your exact Office version. 

This video demonstrates how to find your Office version on Windows:

Office 2019 - How to Check Your Version of Office - Microsoft Office 365

  • No More Security Updates:
    • Microsoft will no longer issue security patches to fix new vulnerabilities.
  • No More Bug Fixes:
    • Any new issues or bugs discovered in Office 2016 or 2019 will not be resolved.
  • No Technical Support:
    • You won't be able to get technical assistance from Microsoft if you encounter problems with the software. 
  • Security Vulnerabilities:
    • Without security updates, your system becomes more vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks.
  • Compatibility Issues:
    • Newer operating systems or other software may not be compatible with an unsupported version of Office. 

  •        Take Action Now:  Upgrade to a Supported Version of Microsoft Office

    • Microsoft 365: A subscription-based cloud service offering premium apps and additional security. (See CUIT website for eligible groups) cuit.columbia.edu/cuit/software-downloads
    • Or, below are version options available from major online retailers
      • Microsoft Office 2021 Standard, Premium, Professional Plus LTSC
      • Microsoft Office 2024 Standard, Premium, Professional Plus LTSC

Columbia University IT Policies  https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/content/network-protection-policy https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/content/registration-and-protection-endpoints-policy https://universitypolicies.columbia.edu/content/registration-and-protection-systems-policy