Upgrade to Windows 11#

Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Then, devices running Windows 10 won’t receive updates and technical support from Microsoft, so are more vulnerable to security risks.

What schools should do now#

Schools should identify which devices are still on Windows 10 and check these can be updated. They should then upgrade devices to Windows 11 well before support ends. Upgrades can take up to approximately 2 hours.

School boards should consider renewal plans for devices so they can be replaced before they are out of support.

Notify families who use 'bring your own device'#

Schools should inform whānau | families about the upcoming changes for students who use 'bring your own devices' (BYOD) that may be affected.

School BYOD guidelines should also be updated for 2026 to show devices must be in support. If using Windows, this must be Win11. Devices that are no longer supported – sometimes called end of life devices – are a security risk to other devices on the same network.

School newsletters can be used to let families know they need to update their devices.

What to do if a device cannot be upgraded#

For school or BYOD devices that can’t be upgraded, consider repurposing these devices by using lightweight operating systems like ChromeOS Flex. This is particularly suitable for school devices that do tasks like visitor management.

Microsoft is offering extended support called Extended Security Updates (ESU) for school and BYOD devices.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 – Microsoft Learn

For eligible school-owned devices running Windows 10, contact Cyclone for New Zealand education pricing for ESU and for more information.

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