Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. This means that while PCs running Windows 10 will still continue to function, they are more vulnerable to security risks.
What needs to be done?[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten]
- Click the Windows key and open Settings via the gear icon.
- Open Update & Security.
Check if your device is up to date and if you are still receiving security updates.
If your device is up to date, you will continue to receive security updates. However, this is only a temporary solution until October 13, 2026.
If your PC is not up to date, you should act immediately. Your Windows 10 version is currently not receiving security updates and is therefore more vulnerable to viruses and malware. There are different solutions depending on your device.
If you want to continue using Windows, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11. If your PC meets the requirements, you can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. More information is available here:
The easiest way to check if your PC supports Windows 11 is with Microsoft's PC Health Check. You can download the program here. If your PC is compatible, this program can also help you upgrade to Windows 11.
Microsoft describes further options for switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11 here.
Employees[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten]
If your work device does not meet the requirements for Windows 11, you will need to purchase a new device. Please ensure that you only purchase devices that include a license for the operating system.
Exceptional Cases[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten]
- In justified exceptional cases, paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) licenses can be purchased for individual devices (Windows 10 ESU Extended Security Updates). However, this is not a long-term solution and is initially only valid for one year.
- If you are using Windows 10 LTSC: Separate support end dates apply beyond October 14, 2025. Please check the support end date for your version. See Windows 10 LTSC 2019 and Windows 10 LTSC 2021.
- For PCs that continue to run Windows 10 without security updates after October 14, 2025, measures to exclude them from the university's wired network and VPN will be taken.
Students[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten]
If you wish to continue using your personal Windows 10 device beyond October 14, 2025, we recommend the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program from Microsoft. This is free for one year for personal devices not used for commercial purposes. A Microsoft account is required. This is only a temporary solution. Detailed instructions can be found at Windows 10 ESU for private devices.
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Do not use the University of Paderborn Microsoft 365 account as your Windows login account!
Windows 10 ESU is only free if a personal Microsoft account was used as the Windows 10 login account on the device. If the University of Paderborn Microsoft 365 account was used as the Windows 10 login account, Windows 10 ESU is not free. You can still activate your Microsoft 365 apps (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, etc.) with the University of Paderborn Microsoft 365 account.
Alternative Operating System[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten]
Does your device not meet the requirements for Windows 11, but buying a new one isn't an option? Depending on the device, it may be possible to continue using it with an alternative operating system such as Linux. Some of the services we offer can also be used under Linux. The ZIM does not offer support for the installation and setup of Linux.
