Windows 7 EOL

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...

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...

Exception Process for Windows 7 End of Life (EOL)

Overview

Every Windows product has a life cycle and that life cycle ends when security updates or fixes, software updates, and/or technical support are discontinued. On Jan. 14, 2020 Microsoft ended support for the Windows 7 Operating System. Campus policy requires that devices connected to the network run software for which security patches are made available - and installed - in a timely fashion. Therefore, Windows 7 is no longer be in compliance with campus policy....

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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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.

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

How do I upgrade my computer to a new operating system?

If the computer is managed by ITCS: Submit a ticket: https://sharedservices.berkeley.edu/it/(link is external)

If the computer is managed by your department IT: Submit a ticket directly to them

If you do not have campus IT support you can download the software here: https://software.berkeley.edu(link is external)...