(10/2/25) CAS IT Notification - Windows 11 Required Upgrade will be installed Frday 10/3/25
College of Agricultural Sciences IT | Colorado State University
Windows 11 – Required Upgrade will be installed Friday 10/3/25
CAS and AES Colleagues,
As we look ahead to the future of technology at CSU, it’s time to say goodbye to our old friend, Windows 10. We want to make sure you’re ready to keep your devices secure, supported, and connected to the CSU network. Please read below for details, deadlines, and action items.
Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025.
After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft. After October 14th 2025, Windows 10 computers will not be allowed on the CSU Network.
Required Next Steps for CAS managed, CSU purchased Windows computers
Check your version of Windows: If you are unsure which version of Windows your computer is currently running, follow this quick guide to find your version. If your device is already on Windows 11, please feel free to disregard the rest of this message.
Upgrade to Windows 11: We are now at the point in the process where we need to force a mandatory upgrade to all remaining Windows 10 devices to hit the 10/14/25 deadline. This upgrade will be pushed out to all eligible devices on Friday 10/3/25 at 2:00pm. The upgrade will happen in the background while you continue your work. Once the upgrade is complete, you will receive a prompt to “Restart Your Computer” with a 24-hour countdown. If you don’t restart the computer on your own before the timer finishes, your computer will automatically restart to apply the upgrade.
NOTE: Due to hardware requirements imposed by Microsoft, not all computers will be eligible to upgrade to Windows 11, and replacement may be necessary.
Exception Process: If this is a computer that cannot be replaced (i.e. one that utilizes specialized lab equipment, or a single cost-prohibitive application that only runs on Windows 10), please submit a ticket with CAS IT or send an email to AgHelp@colostate.edu with details. CAS IT will evaluate exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions will need to be approved by the CSU Division of IT Cybersecurity team. If your computer is upgraded to Windows 11 and you have issues, we have process to revert back to Windows 10 for exception devices – this process only works within 10 day of the upgrade, so please let us know ASAP if you need to revert due to issues with equipment or specialized software.
Replace your Windows 10 computer: If your computer is currently running Windows 10 and cannot be upgraded to Windows 11, you will need to replace the computer with one compatible with Windows 11. Please refer to CAS IT’s Hardware Order Form for information on your options and to complete the purchase of a new computer.
NOTE: CAS IT has a limited number of used Computer lab desktops for sale, while supplies last. Select “Used Computer Lab Desktops – Windows 11 Ready” on the Hardware Order Form for more information.
Why This Is Necessary
Security Risks: Without regular updates, your system may become vulnerable to security threats. The lack of security updates also means that Windows 10 machines will be inherently dangerous to the CSU network. Therefore, all Windows 10 machines will need to be upgraded to Windows 11, replaced with a computer that can support Windows 11, or permanently disconnected from CSU network after 10/14/2025.
Compatibility and Support Issues: New software and hardware may not be compatible with Windows 10 after 10/14/2025. Microsoft will no longer provide technical support for any issues related to Windows 10, and 3rd party hardware and software vendors will no longer maintain support or provide updates shortly after.
You can find more information about the upgrade process, troubleshooting steps, and more in our FAQ and Helpful Information Article
We understand that this transition may require some adjustments, and we are here to support you through this process. If you have any questions or need assistance with the upgrade, please do not hesitate to email AgHelp@colostate.edu or call us at 970-491-2444.
Your efforts will help protect our network, data, and community as we transition to the next generation of Windows. Thank you for your continued support in keeping CSU secure!
AgHelp and CASIT Services
More information and Help
College of Agricultural Sciences IT Services
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 USA