Microsoft Windows Support Statement
This page gives information on the versions of Microsoft 365 supported by IT Services and installation methods for the software.
/prod01/channel_3/media/tcd/itservices/images/windows-support-statement-banner.png)
Windows support on the Trinity data network in offices and labs
IT Services provides support for computers running the following versions of Microsoft Windows only on the Trinity data network in offices and labs, the staff Wi-Fi network, and the staff VPN service:
- Windows 11 Education versions 21H2 and 22H2
- Windows 11 Pro versions 21H2 and 22H2
- Windows 10 Education versions 21H2 and 22H2
- Windows 10 Pro version 22H2
There is no support for Windows Home or Mobile editions (or other editions not listed above) as these cannot be centrally managed on the Trinity data network. To help ensure the security of the Trinity data network and your own data there is also no support for older versions of Windows which are no longer supported by Microsoft, including older out-of-support versions of Windows 10.
What is the difference between the 'Education' and 'Pro' editions of Windows 10 or Windows 11?
Both editions provide a similar set of features and functionality. The main difference is that Microsoft provides a 30-month support period for Windows 10 Education as opposed to an 18-month support period for Windows 10 Pro.
How can I switch to Windows 10 Education?
For assistance with applying the 'Education' edition licence code, please contact the IT Service Desk.
We recommend that staff and postgraduates working in Trinity offices and labs contact the IT Service Desk prior to purchasing any computer running Windows, to ensure that you are obtaining the appropriate operating system version for use on the Trinity data network.
Staff who purchase a new PC or laptop from Dell will be provided with a Windows 10 Education software image, tailored by IT Services for connection to the Trinity data network.
Under the University's Microsoft Campus Licence Agreement, IT Services can provide copies of Windows operating systems (Windows 11 Education, Windows 10 Education) to registered members of staff only. Please be aware that IT Services can offer advice on how to undertake an upgrade or downgrade to one of the supported operating systems only and it is up to the workstation user to complete the process of installing a new operating system.
Windows support on the Student Wi-Fi service
Students connecting to the Student Wi-Fi service in student residences and on campus may connect any edition of Windows 11 and Windows 10* to the service, provided the latest software security updates are installed.
* The Student Wi-Fi service does not provide support for Windows 10 S or Windows 10 X. Students using Windows 10 S who wish to connect to the Student Wi-Fi service are advised to obtain the upgrade to Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home from the Windows Store App.
Support for Windows applications provided by external suppliers
We advise that you refer to the relevant supplier's web pages for statements concerning support for their particular application version running on the various versions of Windows and if there are constraints in running such applications on specific versions of these operating systems. Those using applications newly deployed on any new Windows operating system should be vigilant for issues, especially during the initial use of the system.
If possible when purchasing new PCs, it would be advisable to retain the older PCs with the previous platform until the testing of an application is completed.
Microsoft support models
Microsoft traditionally offers 10 years of support for its operating systems; the first 5 years is mainstream support and the second 5 years is extended support. The key difference between mainstream support and extended support is that Microsoft will accept requests for warranty support, design changes, or new features and issue hotfixes during the mainstream support but not during the extended support phase. Microsoft continues to keep the operating systems secure with security updates throughout the extended support phase. You can read more about Microsoft support at the Microsoft support lifecycle site.
| Microsoft Product | End of Mainstream Support | End of Extended Support |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 | N/A | N/A |
| Windows 10 | N/A | 14 October 2025 |
| Windows 8.1 | 9 January 2018 | 10 January 2023 |
| Windows 7 | 13 January 2015 | 14 January 2020 |
| Windows Vista | 10 April 2012 | 11 April 2017 |
| Windows XP | 14 April 2009 | 8 April 2014 |
| Windows 2000 | 30 June 2005 | 13 July 2010 |