Windows 7 (and some other, older Windows editions) will reach end-of-life in January 2020. Since this means that security updates will no longer be released, our Institutional Security Office (ISO) will quarantine any computers running Windows 7 after the end-of-life date. This page outlines options for addressing this issue for your desktop computers.
Option 1 - Upgrade to Windows 10
If possible, the best solution is to upgrade Window 7 computers to Windows 10. UT has a Windows 10 site license that can be used for UT-owned computers. Assistance with the upgrade is available from these sources:
- For BRCF participants with Windows 7 workstations or laptops that are not on the UT Active Directory domain, contact us at rctf-support@utexas.edu.
- Otherwise, contact the UT Help Desk (help@its.utexas.edu).
Option 2 - Purchase extended Windows 7 support
Extended support for Windows 7 can be purchased from Dell at a special UT rate, as follows:
- Windows 7 Enterprise:
- $25/machine for the 1st year
- $50/machine for the 2nd year
- $100/machine for the 3rd year
- Windows 7 Professional:
- $50/machine for the 1st year
- $100/machine for the 2nd year
- $200/machine for the 3rd year
Machines with extended support will get a new MAK (machine access key/license for updates) which has to be installed manually, replacing the UT campus' Windows update service. Once that is installed the machine will automatically pull updates from Microsoft.
Please contact the UT Help Desk (help@its.utexas.edu) if you are interested in this option.
