Ohio University Prepares for Windows 10 Support End in 2025: Key IT Security Steps

As Microsoft prepares to end support for most versions of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, institutions across the United States are mobilizing to address the cybersecurity implications and operational consequences of this significant transition. Ohio University has recently outlined its response, taking decisive action to secure campus technology assets and inform the community about the requirements for continued access to University-managed networks and resources. This change carries far-reaching consequences for system administrators, researchers, faculty, staff, and students who depend on Windows 10 devices.

The Impending End of Windows 10 Support: What’s Changing?​

Microsoft’s long-announced policy marks October 14, 2025, as the day when most versions of the Windows 10 operating system will stop receiving security updates. The only exception is version 22H2, which will remain eligible for security patches—though only via the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. For countless businesses, governments, and educational institutions like Ohio University, this marks a critical inflection point for IT planning.
When Microsoft discontinues mainstream support, affected devices will no longer receive critical updates, patches, or regulatory compliance coverage. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities will go unpatched, potentially exposing sensitive personal and institutional data to exploitation. For academic organizations handling research data, financial records, and student information, the stakes could not be higher.

Why Upgrading Matters: IT Security and Institutional Risk​

Unsupported systems pose an escalating cybersecurity threat. Attackers are known to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems, using them as entry points for malware, ransomware, and targeted attacks. The frequency and sophistication of such attacks have only grown, with education and healthcare consistently ranking among the most frequently targeted sectors.
By maintaining an environment of supported operating systems, Ohio University seeks to:

• Mitigate potential breaches of personal, research, and institutional data,
• Uphold obligations under state and federal privacy regulations,
• Prevent disruptions to on-campus services dependent on secure IT infrastructure,
• Preserve the integrity and reputation of the University as a whole.

This approach is consistent with best practices outlined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Department of Education, which both emphasize systematic deprecation of unsupported software as a cornerstone of cyber risk management.

The Ohio University Response: OIT’s Staged Approach​

Ohio University’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) has made it clear: starting October 14, 2025, OHIO-managed systems still running unsupported Windows versions will begin facing access restrictions. This response is not unique to Ohio but represents a broader trend in higher education and industry—institutions are taking direct action to manage risk as software vendors draw the line on legacy support.

Blocking Outdated Devices for Better Security​

The policy is designed to protect both individuals and the campus community:

• Devices not receiving critical patches create collective vulnerabilities; one compromised device could be leveraged to access sensitive institutional data.
• Restricting these devices from connecting to University resources acts as an immediate safeguard, especially when threat actors specifically target known weaknesses in legacy platforms.

Blocking access may involve removing outdated devices from the campus network, restricting access to core systems such as email and learning management platforms, or disabling network authentication for non-compliant endpoints.

Compliance, Research, and Industry Standards​

Compliance is not just about technical fixes; it is a matter of institutional liability. Universities are frequently subject to audits under FERPA, HIPAA, GLBA, and various state data protection regulations, all of which generally require using reasonably up-to-date security measures. Continued use of unsupported operating systems can jeopardize research grants, federal funding, and accreditation.

Determining Your Device’s Status: Who Is Affected?​

Not every device on campus will be equally affected. This policy focuses on “OHIO-managed systems”—machines enrolled in official University management platforms (such as Microsoft Endpoint Manager or other device compliance services). These include:

• Shared faculty and staff workstations,
• Lab and classroom computers,
• Devices issued for remote work or research projects,
• Some student devices connected to secure University networks.

If you’re unsure which Windows version your device is running, official university resources provide clear guidance for checking this information. It's a simple step that can prevent unplanned disruptions.

Paths Forward: Upgrade, Exception, or Retirement​

Ohio University recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or another currently supported operating system as the best course of action. For most use cases, Windows 11 offers a seamless migration path, with direct support for modern hardware, robust security features, and a familiar user experience.

What If You Can’t Upgrade Right Away?​

In select cases, critical software or specialized hardware may not be compatible with Windows 11 (or other supported OS versions) by the October 2025 deadline. For example, research instruments or legacy applications may require continued use of Windows 10 for a transitional period. OIT has established an exception process:

• Users can request a temporary exception for a specific device and use case.
• All exceptions are subject to review, and the requesting unit must demonstrate a clear need.
• Devices granted exceptions must run at least Windows 10 version 22H2 and enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which incurs an annual fee charged to the associated department.

Details, including the exception application and relevant guidance, can be found on Ohio University’s IT website.

Temporary Extension via ESU: What to Expect​

Microsoft’s ESU program offers a crucial, but strictly time-limited, reprieve. For eligible devices running Windows 10 version 22H2, ESU provides ongoing critical security patches—at a cost. It’s important to understand the contours and limitations of this offer:

• Eligibility: Only devices running Windows 10 22H2 are eligible; all prior versions are excluded.
• Cost: ESU licenses are purchased yearly, with each year increasing in price. Ohio University will charge the relevant planning unit or department.
• Support Timeline: ESU is offered through October 2028, at which point all patching for Windows 10—regardless of exceptions—will cease.
• Access Restrictions: OIT indicates that it plans to begin restricting even ESU-covered devices as early as October 2026, culminating with a full block no later than October 2028.

The Bigger Picture: Security-Driven Campus IT Culture​

At the heart of Ohio University’s policy is the commitment to creating a security-conscious IT culture. The phased restrictions allow for coordinated upgrades and budget planning, but the ultimate goal is to minimize risk exposure.

Balancing Continuity and Security​

While a rushed upgrade can cause its own issues—such as software incompatibility or data loss—a protracted delay in upgrading puts the entire institution at risk. OIT emphasizes working closely with units that require exceptions and offers IT support resources, such as the Tech Help Desk, to ease the transition.

Educational Implications and User Responsibility​

Staff, faculty, and students are urged to familiarize themselves with their systems and take prompt action. Proactive IT hygiene is now an essential skill for anyone using University technology resources. The transition away from Windows 10 is both a technical and educational opportunity.
List of recommended actions for users:

• Check your device’s current Windows version. University guidance on “Determining your Windows Version” is readily available.
• Schedule a time to upgrade your device(s) to Windows 11 with your local IT or independently if permitted.
• If an upgrade is not possible, initiate the exception process immediately to ensure coverage under ESU, understanding the short-term nature and cost of this solution.
• Bookmark and utilize University IT support resources, including the Tech Help Desk (servicedesk@ohio.edu), for assistance with transition planning.

Critical Analysis: Strengths, Risks, and Real-World Impacts​

Ohio University’s approach is clear, deadline-driven, and consistent with established best practices in higher education IT. Still, no transition of this scope is without challenges.

Strengths of the Approach​

1. Risk Mitigation and Regulatory Compliance:
The staged restriction and eventual blocking of unsupported devices reduces the University’s vulnerability to cyber incidents and helps maintain compliance with privacy regulations and grant requirements.
2. Transparency and Communication:
OIT’s communication outlines precise timelines, responsibilities, and available pathways for those needing more time. This minimizes the odds of unexpected disruption.
3. Exception Handling and Support:
The consideration of an exception process acknowledges the reality of complex research and institutional environments, accommodating use cases that cannot immediately upgrade.
4. Fiscal Responsibility:
Charging units for ESU coverage creates financial incentives to upgrade, rather than perpetually extend the lifecycle of aging assets.

Potential Risks and Weaknesses​

1. Resource Constraints:
Departments with many legacy systems may face budget or personnel bottlenecks when attempting wholesale upgrades. The ongoing ESU licensing cost could stretch thin departmental IT budgets.
2. Compatibility Gaps:
Specialized research tools or administrative applications may not transition cleanly to Windows 11, risking productivity losses or unnecessary expenditures on replacements.
3. User Inertia and Communication Gaps:
Some users may not heed communications or may mistakenly believe they are unaffected. Robust communication, training, and monitoring will be required to minimize noncompliance.
4. Short-Term Fix of ESU:
Relying on ESU for any significant duration creates the illusion of security while inviting escalating licensing costs and potentially diminishing vendor support. It must only be used as a stopgap.

Institutional Culture and Change Management​

Successfully managing the end of Windows 10 support will require more than technical acumen—it will demand diligent change management, ongoing communication, and focused user education. Academic environments, with their diverse device fleets and specialized use cases, often lag behind more homogeneous corporate settings in technology transitions. Ohio University’s transparency and emphasis on exceptions represent a pragmatic model for other large institutions.

What’s Next: Opportunities Beyond Windows 10​

The retirement of Windows 10 opens the door for broader modernization. As users migrate to Windows 11, they gain access to new features designed to enhance security, productivity, and accessibility—including advanced hardware-based security measures, built-in ransomware protection, and performance improvements for a hybrid educational and work environment.
For some units, this may also be an opportunity to reevaluate alternative platforms, such as Linux for certain research environments, or macOS where specific workflow demands align. While Windows 11 will be the default path forward for the majority, the broader goal is to maintain a secure, flexible, and forward-looking technology foundation.

Key Takeaways for the Ohio University Community​

• Deadlines are Non-Negotiable: After October 14, 2025, most Windows 10 devices will be blocked from OHIO networks and resources unless they are running version 22H2 enrolled in ESU, or have a granted exception.
• ESU is Temporary, Not Permanent: Even with ESU, Windows 10 devices will lose full University access no later than October 2028, likely sooner.
• Upgrade Early: Proactive planning ensures compliance, greater IT support availability, and lower risk of disruption.
• Stay Informed: University IT channels and help resources are the best sources for updates, available exceptions, and assistance with technical challenges.

An Inflection Point for IT Security in Higher Education​

The end of Windows 10 signals more than the retirement of a popular operating system; it marks a renewal of higher education’s commitment to cybersecurity and best practices. Ohio University’s multifaceted, security-driven approach should serve as a blueprint for peer institutions navigating similar challenges in the coming years. Succession planning for critical IT infrastructure, clear communication with stakeholders, and prioritizing long-term supportable platforms are essential strategies for institutional resilience and digital safety.
For all campus technology users, now is the time to act: check your Windows version, prepare to upgrade, and engage with IT support. The future of secure, compliant, and reliable campus technology depends on collective action today.

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Source: Ohio University Windows 10 support ending: Action required for OHIO devices