Microsoft Windows 7 End Of Life

April 10, 2019
Casey Hennig

Overview

Every Windows product has a lifecycle and that lifecycle ends when it no longer receives security updates or fixes, software updates, and/or technical support. On Jan. 14, 2020 Microsoft will discontinue support for the Windows 7 Operating System. Without security, patches these systems will be easy targets for hackers, malware, and viruses.

Campus policy requires that devices connected to the network run software for which security patches are made available - and installed - in a timely fashion. After support ends, Windows 7 will no longer be in compliance with campus policy.

Options

1. Upgrade your machine's operating system:

2. Purchase a new computer: 

If you wish to purchase a new university-owned machine, contact IT Client Services. 

3. Request a Security Exception:

If the Windows 7 system cannot be upgraded, you may be eligible for a temporary security exception.  Visit our Exception Process for Windows 7 End of Life (EOL) page for additional information.

Need Help? 

Important Dates:

  • Nov. 1, 2019 - Preferred date to submit your security exception request
  • Feb. 1, 2020 - ISO notifies Windows 7 systems users to disconnect from the campus network
  • Mar. 1, 2020 - ISO blocks Windows 7 devices seen on the campus network

Please note: In the event that a Windows 7 exploit is released before Mar. 1, ISO reserves the right to immediately block any vulnerable device per the Blocking Network Access Policy.

Additional Resources:

Microsoft announcement for Windows 7 EOL

Microsoft article for the end of support - with FAQs

Topics

FAQs

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How can I get help from IT on Windows 7 End of Life?

Please fill out this request form only if you have not already been in contact with campus IT professionals (either through your department or IT Client Services) regarding the upgrade of your current Windows 7 computer, purchase of a new computer, or security exception application.

What can I do to prepare for an OS upgrade?

Begin by backing up your files. You can do this to a local device or move your data from the computer to servers or cloud-based platforms. Please note that location is dependent on the protection level of the data you have: UC P1 and UC P2/P3 data can be stored on Google Drive and Box. UC P4 data may only be stored on Calshare Confirm that any software (outside of the standard MS Office, Chrome, Adobe Acrobat) is...

How do I request a security exception for Win 7 EOL?

Exceptions are allowed only if the system cannot be upgraded and depending on the data classification level and the amount of data of that type. Submit your security exception request by November 1, 2019, to allow time to implement mitigations needed before End of Life.

Visit here for the exception process

What happens if I am running a Windows 7 computer after Jan. 14, 2020?

If you are running Windows 7 you are unsupported and out of compliance with campus policy. What happens next: Feb. 1, 2020 - ISO notifies Windows 7 systems users to disconnect from the campus network Mar. 1, 2020 - ISO blocks Windows 7 devices seen on the campus network

Please note: In the event that a Windows 7 exploit is released before Mar. 1, ISO reserves the right to immediately block any vulnerable device per the Blocking Network Access Policy.

Exceptions

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