End of support for Windows 10
Support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025, so preparations should be made in advance for the transition from existing devices to Windows 11. New devices are usually shipped with Windows 11. Please check whether the hardware used by your department/group meets the system requirements for Windows 11. The migration can be performed via an in-place upgrade, provided all important data is backed up and the latest drivers are installed beforehand.
Windows 10 will remain usable in principle even after the end of support, but it poses a significant security risk. Incompatible devices must therefore be replaced by the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, to avoid security risks. Please arrange for a timely replacement via Ariba.
To determine your Windows version:
Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously (Win + R) and type "winver" (without quotes). Press Enter. A new "About Windows" window will open.[1]
Notes:
Do not use third-party tools or tricks from the internet to circumvent compatibility checks.
The RBG is happy to assist you with planning and implementation. Please contact us.
The RBG does not purchase PCs or laptops for the institute; this is the responsibility of the departments. Upon request, we would be happy to advise you on the selection.
When purchasing new PCs, no Windows license is required, as the HU has volume licenses for Windows 11.
The upgrade is free of charge.
Support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 is also discontinued. The CMS offers Office 2021 and 2024 for HU employees.
Upgrade procedure:
- Compare hardware and system requirements for Windows 11 and decide whether an update is possible or whether new hardware needs to be purchased. Use Microsoft's PC Health Check program to do this. [1]
- If an update is possible: Back up your data and check for the latest drivers. [4]
- Open Windows Update and check if the upgrade is available.
- Perform an in-place upgrade. [1]
- To protect your privacy, features such as telemetry data transfer, advertisements in the Start menu, and the automatic sharing of diagnostic data should be disabled after installing Windows 11. [2]
- In addition, the BSI recommends configuring Windows logging specifically to better track security-relevant events. This includes enabling audit logs for login attempts and system changes. The BSI provides an overview of security-relevant settings.
Links (german only):
[1] https://rsf.uni-greifswald.de/fakultaet/einrichtungen/edv-abteilung/upgrade-auf-windows-11/
[3] BSI empfiehlt Upgrade oder Wechsel des Betriebssystems nach Supportende von Windows 10