Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to upgrade my system?

Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support for Windows 10. It's crucial to upgrade to Windows 11. At that time, any computers running Windows 10 should be considered vulnerable and a security risk.

Berkeley Lab IT strongly recommends that all Windows 10 systems be upgraded to Windows 11, or retired before October 2025.

What if my computer is too old or slow to run Windows 10? 

Berkeley Lab IT can help you order a new system from the Lab-standard selection with Windows 11 installed or the Repurposed computers inventory (subject to availability). Repurposed computers are available to anyone at the Lab at no cost.

Berkeley Lab IT charges $250 to prepare a new or used system for you. See the Request a Computer page to order a new or used Windows 10 computer.

If you have a computer that is no longer in active use, please consider turning it in to IT. In many cases, these systems can be refurbished and re-issued to researchers at the Lab.

What should I do to prepare for this?

• Perform a computer assessment to list all hardware, software, and data on the system
• Procure third-party application upgrades or peripheral hardware if necessary due to incompatibility with Windows 11
• Ensure that all data and files are backed up

See Windows 11 In-place Upgrade or Windows 11 Clean Install for more information.

Can IT help me with the upgrade?

IT User Support can help any Lab personnel with their Windows upgrade process. IT charges a flat rate of $250 to upgrade a system; which includes all labor costs involved with doing a workstation assessment, upgrading or re-installing Windows, installing key applications, and restoring all data.

Note that this fee does not cover any costs associated with Windows or application licensing, hardware replacement or upgrades, or 3rd party support. IT does not provide users with a long-term backup of the workstation drives. IT recommends users always back up their computers using the Lab's enterprise backup solution, Druva inSync.

Can I perform the upgrade myself?

Users with moderate Windows expertise should be able to perform the upgrade with no IT assistance. There are two main methods by which a system can be upgraded to Windows 11:

• Windows 11 In-place Upgrade
• Windows 11 Clean Install

Also, see Windows 10 End of Life and Upgrade to Windows 11.

Can IT help my group manage and track our upgrades?

Yes, provided the computer has BigFix installed and running correctly. IT Support can leverage BigFix to identify Windows 10 computers and assess their readiness for Windows 11.

Users can inventory their systems using our Property Manager Report tool, or request help from IT.