Windows 7 End of Life TXST Plan

On January 14, 2020, Microsoft is ending support for the Windows 7 operating system. Once support ends, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for computers using Windows 7. To help keep Texas State information and data secure, after support ends, Windows 7 computers will not be allowed to connect to the Texas State wired or wireless network.

Project Timeline

To assist our campus community with moving off of Windows 7 prior to Microsoft's end of support, we have established the following project timeline:

  • May 1, 2019 - Windows 7 standard image removed from Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).
  • May 1 - August 15, 2019 - Free Windows 7 re-imaging to Windows 10 on supported TXST computers (delivery and data backup not included)
  • November 1, 2019 - University goal for TXST Windows 7 computers to be upgraded to Windows 10
  • January 14, 2020 - Microsoft Windows 7 End of Life
  • After January 14 - Windows 7 computers cannot connect to the TXST network

November 1 Campus Goal: Upgrade all TXST computers to Windows 10

Since the Windows 7 End of Life will occur before the start of the spring 2020 semester, it is important that all TXST Windows 7 computers be upgraded to Windows 10 before the fall 2019 semester ends. Therefore, we have set a campus goal for TXST computers to upgrade to Windows 10 by November 1, 2019.

We need your help to accomplish this goal. ITAC will work closely with faculty, staff, Department Heads, and Technical Support Staff (TSPs) to offer the following support, information, and services:

  • Help faculty, staff, and students check their computer operating system to see if it needs an upgrade.
  • Work with TSPs who have MDT access to prepare for the May 1 deadline to remove the Windows 7 image.
    • Train TSPs for MDT access to upgrade department computers to Windows 10
  • Provide TSPs and Department Heads with specific lists of Windows 7 computers in their departments
  • Re-image Windows 7 computers at our ITAC Service Centers in San Marcos and Round Rock at no cost for supported TXST computers (delivery and data backups not included).
  • Contact individual faculty, staff, and students who are using Windows 7 and provide upgrade options (projected: fall 2019)

How to Get Windows 10

See the Windows 10 Operating System page to learn how to upgrade your TXST or personal computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

NOTE: Not sure which operating system is on your computer? Learn how to find out here.

How to Use Windows 10

LinkedIn Learning has excellent tutorials on how to use Windows 10. See the Learn section of our Windows 10 operating system page to get started with Windows 10.

FAQs

How do I know if my computer is Windows 7 or Windows 10?

See this article to learn how to check which operating system your computer is using.

I have an older TXST computer, can I upgrade it to Windows 10?

If your older TXST computer meets the minimum hardware configurations, ITAC can upgrade your computer to Windows 10. You should consult with your department TSP for guidance as well.

NOTE: We manage Windows computer encryption using BitLocker and require a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip to be on the computer, enabled, and initialized.

Does my computer have a TPM chip?

On your computer, click the Start menu and enter this in search: tpm.msc (or go to C:\WINDOWS\system32\tpm.msc). Open the file, and look at the Status.

If you see The TPM is Ready for Use, you have a TPM chip.

If the screen does not indicate that the TPM is ready or present, your computer either may not have a TPM chip or the chip may not be enabled and initialized. If this is the case, please consult with your department TSP or contact ITAC for assistance.

Is the Texas State Windows 10 version 32-bit or 64-bit?

64-bit.

I have stayed with Windows 7 because my software is 32-bit and may not work on Windows 10. How do I know if my software will work on Windows 10?

A number of 32-bit software options work on 64-bit computers; however, some 32-bit software only works on 32-bit computers.

To find out if your 32-bit will work on 64-bit, please contact the software vendor. Also, find out if they offer a 64-bit version. If you are unsure, please contact ITAC.