(for your personally owned device)
Last updated November 21, 2019
If Windows 7 is on your personal device (not owned by the UW) learn what you need to do by January 14th, 2020.
Get your questions answered
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How can I find out which version of Windows I have on my device?
- Select the Start button, type Computer in the search box, right click on Computer, and then select Properties.
- Under the Windows edition, you’ll see the version and edition of Windows that your device is running.
Having trouble? Go to Which version of Windows operating system am I running?
I'm running Windows 7, what actions do I need to take?
You need to upgrade to a supported operating system (such as Windows 10) before Jan. 14, 2020, or retire the computer.
Students can obtain one free Windows 10 Education license by following these instructions:
- Go to the Campus Software Library and click on the Microsoft for Personally-owned Computers link.
- Follow the instructions under Windows 10 Education (students only) to download and install.
Need help? Contact the DoIT Help Desk for assistance.
NOTE: The DoIT Help Desk provides support for departmentally- and student-owned computers. While we no longer provide support for hardware and software personally owned by faculty, staff and retirees, you can find more information on the Windows 7 End of Life from Microsoft here: go.wisc.edu/i3tf20. If you are interested in purchasing a new Dell or Apple computer at an academic discount for personal use, visit go.wisc.edu/dell or go.wisc.edu/apple.
When do I need to take action?
You must take action before Jan. 14, 2020.
What happens if I don't upgrade and keep using Windows 7?
You will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes, or software updates or technical support. Your computer will be an easy target for hackers, viruses, malware, data theft, and data loss.
If your computer connects to the UW–Madison network, you will be in violation of the campus policy that requires devices connected to the network to have up-to-date security patches.
Where can students get help in upgrading their personally owned devices?
The DoIT Help Desk provides support for departmentally- and student-owned computers. Contact the DoIT Help Desk for assistance.
You can also find more information on the Windows 7 End of Life from Microsoft here: go.wisc.edu/i3tf20.
If you are interested in purchasing a new Dell or Apple computer at an academic discount for personal use, visit go.wisc.edu/dell or go.wisc.edu/apple. Find more information on the Windows Server 2008 End of Life from Microsoft here: go.wisc.edu/w95l05.
Where can faculty, staff, or retirees get help in upgrading their personally owned devices?
The DoIT Help Desk no longer provides support for hardware and software personally owned by faculty, staff and retirees. You can find more information on the Windows 7 End of Life from Microsoft here: go.wisc.edu/i3tf20.
If you are interested in purchasing a new Dell or Apple computer at an academic discount for personal use, visit go.wisc.edu/dell or go.wisc.edu/apple. Find more information on the Windows Server 2008 End of Life from Microsoft here: go.wisc.edu/w95l05.