Win11 Research Replacement FAQ

This page will help answer some of the frequently asked questions that Research Groups may have regarding ITS policy for upgrading research machines to Windows 11. 

Why is there a need to upgrade to Windows 11? 

Microsoft is ending support for the Windows 10 on October 14^th, 2025. This means that there will be no more security patches for Windows 10. Every day that goes by from that point onward increases the risk of security vulnerabilities such as a zero-day being exploited. The security risks are too great to allow users to stay on Windows 10.  

A single compromised machine also poses a risk to other computers connected to the UAlbany network. Much like how chemical reagents have expiry dates or health data follows legislation and regulation, there are policies for maintaining a secure network environment so that the University can maintain a strong security posture. Failure to comply with these regulations and standards can result in considerable damage to your research, department, and the University. 

What should be included in my lab’s research technology inventory? 

First, the lab should do a self-evaluation of research technology using the form here so that all research technology is captured which includes computers, instruments, and other digital equipment. ITS will then schedule an in-lab consultation to further fill in our understanding of the research space. If there are changes to the research technology inventory for your lab, we’ll follow up by email afterwards to ensure our information is accurate.  

What if my research instrument is only compatible with Windows 10 (or older)? 

The research services team within ITS will conduct in-lab consultations where research technology will be documented and evaluated. After evaluation, the need may exist for a research machine to have an older operating system. After ITS has determined that this is the only option to not disrupt research, ITS will work with the researcher to define and implement a secure solution for the lab. 

Will ITS fund these machine replacements? 

ITS is funding one new computer replacement for faculty and staff under a centralized funding model. Replacement of additional machines in research spaces should undergo an in-lab consultation by the research services team. After the consultation has been completed, ITS will make recommendations for replacement machines in cases where the machine is using Windows 10 or older. The replacement equipment's funding will be the lab owner, the department and the research group’s responsibility.  

What computational resources are available to my Research Group? 

Please see this page with details of our computational offerings. 

Are there any free computers available for replacement? 

UAlbany is warehousing inventory of new machines to upgrade the campus and surpluses machines which no longer comply with university standards. The university has adopted a centralized funding model for replacement of faculty/staff assigned machines and classroom computers. Research specific computing is not part of the centralized funding initiative. 

Will ITS surplus computers? 

ITS will surplus replaced machines but computers that are currently contributing to your research functions. Our goal is to facilitate and support research in a safe, secure, but still productive manner. If you have old computers, you do not need any more, ITS will help surplus those to dispose of them in a safe and secure manner. We must safely and securely dispose of old hardware that is no longer in compliance with current security standards. 

Can I keep old computers? 

Old machines present security risks and ITS does not recommend nor do we support the use of old computers. ITS also holds responsibility for asset inventory of technology and adheres to the asset inventory requirements detailed here. 

ITS reserves the right to suspend the network access of any device connected to the network that represents a threat to the confidentiality, integrity or availability of university information assets, including systems which are not compliant with University policy, regulatory or legal requirements. Such suspension will include notification to the registered user. See also the University's Information Security Policy (Section 5.0-5.4). 

What is the deadline for this transition? 

Windows 10 support will be ending in October 2025. However, it is recommended to begin this process as soon as possible. Working with ITS before this deadline will allow time for your lab to be evaluated by the research services team and for replacement machines to be ordered and deployed if needed. 

How long does procurement of new machines take? 

As October 2025 approaches, procurement of computers may become more difficult as corporations, educational institutions, and the government upgrade to Windows 11. It is imperative that each research group work with ITS to develop a complete inventory assessment so we can place orders for machines as soon as possible. Lab leadership will need to provide ITS with the appropriate accounting information to be charged for the replacement equipment. ITS can then deploy the equipment without having to wait for the procurement process to complete. As of July 2024, procurement of new computers can take 3-4 months or longer.  

What about Macbooks/iMacs or general Apple brand hardware? 

Currently we are not mandating replacement of Apple products. However, these devices should still be captured as a part of your research technology inventory so that ITS will be able to best support you with these devices if needed. We do expect Apple devices to be connected to the UAlbany network so that they receive the latest security updates and patches. As long as your Apple device’s image is up to date and secure, it is okay to keep using it.