Overview
Microsoft will end its support of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. If your computer is currently running on Windows 10, review this article to understand the options available to you. Depending on your computer hardware and your requirements, you can:
- Upgrade your computer from Windows 10 to 11
- Request assistance from DTS to re-image your computer with Windows 10 LTSC
- Return your computer for recycling if it is no longer needed
- Request an exception
Most people will be able to simply upgrade to Windows 11, but DTS recognizes that researchers may be using older computers which are upgrade-incompatible but performing essential research tasks (for instance, the computer is connected to a research instrument or running research software). If this is your situation, you may need to request re-imaging or an exception.
Why can't I continue using Windows 10 after October 14, 2025?
Once Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10, your Windows 10 computer will no longer receive security updates. This leaves you and your computer vulnerable on multiple fronts:
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Data security: Keeping your computer system updated helps to safeguard you and the University from personal, financial, and reputational harms that could result from USC data being compromised in a malware attack or other security incident.
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Network security: If your operating system is out of date and not receiving security updates, you can potentially introduce vulnerabilities into the USC network. This is the case even if you're just using your device for light Internet browsing or other non-sensitive tasks.
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Application support: Many major vendors do not issue support patches and security updates for older operating systems. This means that if your operating system is out of date, you may not be receiving important bug fixes and support for applications such as Microsoft Office and SentinelOne.
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11
Follow the steps below to upgrade to Windows 11. You can also contact DTS if you would like assistance with the upgrade:
- The upgrade should not affect your computer files, but it's a good idea to back up your computer to be safe. You can use a USC-approved cloud storage service (we recommend Microsoft OneDrive) or a USC-approved, encrypted storage device.
- In the Start menu search bar, type update and then select Check for updates.
- Click Download and install. Be aware that if you have pending updates for Windows 10, you may need to install those and restart your computer before the Windows 11 option is available.
No option to upgrade to Windows 11?
If your computer does not provide the option to upgrade to Windows 11, you may need to use Microsoft's Windows 11 Installation Assistant:
- Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11. Click Download Now.
- If prompted, click Save File.
- Windows 11 Installation Assistant is downloaded to your computer. Go to your Downloads folder and double-click Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe.
- If prompted, type your account credentials as follows:
- Email address: Your USC NetID@dts.usc.edu (For example, if your USC NetID is ttrojan, your email address is ttrojan@dts.usc.edu)
- Password: Your USC NetID passphrase
- Click Accept and install.
- Not seeing this option? Contact DTS for assistance with upgrading to Windows 11.
- The upgrade to Windows 11 begins. You may be periodically prompted to restart your computer to continue the upgrade process.
- When the upgrade is complete, the Windows sign-in screen appears. Sign in using your @dts.usc.edu account to complete the upgrade.
Re-imaging with Windows 10 LTSC 2019
If your computer has hardware limitations, it may be unable to upgrade to Windows 11. In this situation, DTS can re-image your computer with Windows 10 LTSC 2019 (Long-Term Servicing Channel), an older variant of Windows 10. While it does not receive feature updates, it meets University requirements because Microsoft will continue to provide Windows 10 LTSC 2019 with security updates until January 9, 2029.
Refer to the following guide for more information:
Returning your computer
If you no longer need this computer, you can return it to DTS for decommissioning by submitting the following form:
Requesting an exception
If your computer is being used to run research instruments, devices, or programs which are not compatible with Windows 11 or your computer is unable to be re-imaged with Windows 10 LTSC 2019, let DTS know: we will evaluate these computers on a case-by-case basis to determine the options for keeping the computer in service without presenting a risk to the USC network.