Support for Microsoft Windows 10 ends October 14

To: All faculty and staff

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft Windows 10 will reach its “end of life” and Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, security patches or technical assistance for Windows 10 devices.

Continuing to use a Windows 10 device means that over time, your computer and any data or accounts you access with it will become more vulnerable to malware and other online attacks.

What can you do?

We strongly recommend moving to the Windows 11 operating system, which is free-of-charge for all who currently use a licensed version of Windows 10.

Note this recommendation applies to both TMU-issued devices and any personal computers you may be using to access your TMU resources and accounts.

How to check if your computer can support Windows 11

If you are not already on a Windows 11 device, you can check whether your computer houses an Intel TPM 2 chip, which is required to run Windows 11. These chips are typically included in computers produced in late 2017 and thereafter, with Intel’s 8th generation processor. To check the generation of your computer’s processor:

1. Right-click the Start menu/Windows icon > Settings > About.
2. Under Device specifications > Processor.

Here, you’ll find details on the processor including the generation. The details you find will appear like so: Intel Core i3/i5/i7/i9-8xxx.

This is what to look for within those details:

• The number following the dash symbol “-” indicates your processor’s generation.
• If the first character is a “1”, it means the generation is a two-digit number.
• If the generation shown is 8 or higher, this means your computer has a TPM 2 chip and is capable of supporting Windows 11.

How to upgrade to Windows 11

You’ll need to upgrade to Windows 11 prior to October 14, 2025. The following instructions apply only to Computing and Communications Services (CCS)-supported devices with a CCS asset tag. For devices not supported by CCS, kindly confirm the process with your school or department’s IT support team.

Things to note before you begin

• It will take about 90 minutes to download and another 90 minutes to perform the update.
• You can still use your computer during the download period.

Starting your download

1. Right-click the Start menu/Windows icon > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If Windows 11 is available, there will be an option to Download and install. Follow the prompts and restart your computer when asked to do so.

If there is no option under the Update & Security section, apply any pending Windows 10 updates you have. Then, click on Check online for updates from Microsoft Updates.

If the option to update to Windows 11 still does not show up:

1. Go to Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page (external link) .
2. Under Windows 11 Installation Assistant, click Download Now.
3. Run the tool and follow the prompts.

If your computer cannot support Windows 11, it will be blocked from accessing TMU’s VPN connection

If your TMU-issued computer is unable to support Windows 11, it is deemed a security risk to TMU and your computer will be blocked from accessing TMU-VPN as of October 14, 2025. Without VPN, your computer will be unable to connect to resources on TMU’s network.

As next steps, please discuss the process of obtaining a Windows 11-supported device with your dean or manager.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the Computing and Communications Services (CCS) Help Desk via the IT Help portal, help@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 556806.