OVERVIEW
Target audience: Users of McGill-managed Windows computers and IT System Administrators throughout McGill University.
Key Points:
- Windows 11 Education is the recommended Windows operating system for McGill-owned computers.
- Windows 10 will reach end-of-life on October 14, 2025, and should be upgraded by then.
- ITS is currently deploying Windows 11 throughout its managed fleet.
FAQs
Can I stay on an older unsupported version of Windows, such as Windows 7?
Users are expected to run a supported OS, preferably Windows 11 23H2 or newer. In exceptional cases, legacy software or hardware may prevent an upgrade. For security reasons, computers with unsupported operating systems may need special security settings or be taken offline.
When will my computer be upgraded to Windows 11?
For ITS managed computers, upgrades to Windows 11 began in January 2024 and will be completed by October 2025. The upgrade process is similar to previous Windows 10 upgrades, with changes mainly in the look, feel, and new features. Watch this video for a tour of the basics: navigation, collaboration, multitasking, and overall experience.
How can I check which version of Windows is currently installed on my computer?
- In the box next to the Windows Start icon, type "winver" and hit Enter.
- The About Windows box should pop up on the screen, with information including the version and build of Windows currently installed.
Which versions of Windows qualify for support via a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with IT Customer Services (ICS)?
ICS-supported equipment must use the Professional, Education, or Enterprise versions of Windows. Service level agreements (SLAs) do not support Home and Server editions of Windows. For a list of McGill units that have SLAs with ICS, see Hardware and Software Support under the "Who can use this service" section.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: