Windows 7 End of Life | Computing for Arts + Sciences
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Windows 7 End of Life

Microsoft has set Windows 7 End of Life (EOL) for January 14, 2020, which means that Microsoft will no longer provide updates or support for the operating system after that date. When an operating system isn't being consistently updated, it starts to become increasingly less secure, maintainable, and usable, which poses a big security risk.

What this means for you

If your computer is still using Windows 7 by EOL (without an exception with CAS in place), it will be removed from the network by CAS.

What you can do

You have a couple of routes you can take to ensure your computer does not get removed from the network:

  1. Upgrade your computer to Windows 10.
  2. Get an exception for the computer to stay on Windows 7.
  3. Work with your department to replace your computer.

Upgrade to Windows 10

We've developed a couple of methods to upgrade your computer to Windows 10:

  1. Submit a ticket to the CAS Service Desk for a technician to upgrade your computer.
    • This will require your computer to be brought to our office for a minimum of 24-48 hours to be backed up, install Windows 10, and data restored.
    • If you have an unusual setup (drive partitioning, unusual save locations, etc.) you should use this option.
  2. Or, through Software Center under Operating Systems, run the CAS-Win10x64-InPlace Upgrade tool.
    • This will backup, install Windows 10, and restore your data without the computer ever leaving your office.
    • This process takes several hours to complete, and your computer cannot be used during the process, so it is best to let it run over night.
    • If you try to run this before 3:00PM, it will require a password from a CAS ITS Technician. After 3:00PM, no password will be required. We cannot cancel the process once it has been started.
    • If you do not feel comfortable starting this process, please contact our Service Desk and a technician will assist with starting this for you.

During either processes, if we do not successfully complete a backup of your data, it will not proceed with installing Windows 10.

Important Notes

  1. After your computer is upgraded, all nonstandard software will need to be reinstalled.
  2. To start the upgrade process, all laptops must be on campus, plugged into power and the UNT wired network.

Get an Exception

If your computer can not be upgraded to Windows 10 due to research equipment or software incompatibilities, you may qualify for a computer exception. If this is the case for you, please send CAS an email outlining the equipment/software that would prevent the upgrade as well as the Dell service tag and UNT asset tag on the computer, which will be handled on a case by case basis.