Planned Change

Windows 7 to Windows 10 Transition Project

Service desk employees smiling and directing help calls

Upgrade your University PC to Windows 10 today

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is currently working to ensure all OIT-managed PCs are updated to the Windows 10 operating system in 2019.

Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7 as of January 2020. Once Windows 7 reaches “end of life,” computers running Windows 7 may be vulnerable to viruses, intrusions, or data theft. Updating to Windows 10 allows for the most up-to-date security protections and adds many new exciting features.

Technology Help is actively working to transition users from Windows 7 to Windows 10. If you are currently using Windows 7, your computer should be updated at your earliest convenience. Contact Technology Help today to schedule your upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell if I’m running Windows 7?

View Microsoft’s instructions to help you determine which Windows operating system is installed on your computer.

Can I upgrade my computer on my own?

We do not recommend attempting upgrading your Windows device on your own. A misconfigured upgrade can lead to data loss or incompatibility with University IT infrastructure.

How long does an upgrade take?

Plan for about one business day of work to complete the upgrade on your device. Technology Help has loaner computers available for those who request one.

How can I learn how to use Windows 10?

There are a variety of self-help resources available. Windows 10’s interface is very similar to Windows 7.

Are all of my applications compatible?

The vast majority of applications in use at the University are compatible. Technology Help will work with you to identify those applications before starting the upgrade process.

What if a program I need is not compatible with Windows 10?

Please contact Technology Help to discuss your concerns. It may be necessary to work with your collegiate IT and/or the software vendor to determine if the software is compatible or if a newer version is needed.

I got my computer several years ago. Can it run Windows 10?

Most University-owned computers operate well with Windows 10. If you have any questions or concerns about your computer’s compatibility, please Technology Help.

My research requires I stay on Windows 7. What should I do?

Please contact Technology Help to discuss your research parameters.

What happens if I don’t upgrade my computer to Windows 10?

OIT will not offer support to machines running Windows 7 after the Microsoft-mandated end-of-life deadline (January 2020). Computers running Windows 7 after this time present a high security risk to the University network. OIT will work in partnership with University Information Security to isolate all remaining Windows 7 computers from the internet.

Request to have your computer upgraded to Windows 10

Contact Technology Help at 612-301-4357 or help@umn.edu and simply request to have your computer upgraded to Windows 10. You will be contacted by a specialist who will set up a time with you to complete the upgrade and answer any questions you have.

Contact Us

Questions regarding the Windows 7 to Windows 10 transition project? Contact Matt Brandel at mbrandel@umn.edu or Donna Edelen at edelen@umn.edu. If you would like to upgrade your computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10, please contact Technology Help.

About Computer & Device Support

Computer and Device Support provides University faculty and staff with hardware and software support services including the delivery, setup, and configuration of computers and anything that plugs into them, as well as troubleshooting software issues and facilitate hardware repair.