Windows 10 update FAQs


This article includes Frequently Asked Questions on the Windows 10 update

Overview:

  1. Why do I need to complete the Windows 10 update? 
  2. What happens if I do not install the Windows 10 update?
  3. What do I need to do to ensure my Windows 10 computer is not impacted? 
  4. Which computers do I need to install this update on?
  5. Why am I still receiving communications about the Windows 10 update if I have already done the update on my computer? 
  6. I have tried to install the Windows 10 update but it failed, what do I need to do?
  7. I have a business-critical need for my Windows 10 device and it cannot be impacted, what do I need to do?
  8. Do I need to install the update on my personal computer?
  9. Can I still use Office 365 applications on my web browser or Windows Virtual Desktop? 
  10. Can I still use other software/applications on my Windows 10 computer? 
  11. I manage a room with many Windows 10 desktops used for hot desking. Do I need to update all computers?
  12. I have a member of staff on long term absence / maternity leave, will they be able to update when they return?
  13. I am still waiting on a resolution for my VPN issue, will I still be impacted if I cannot install the Windows 10 update? 

1. Why do I need to complete the Windows 10 update? 

One of the biggest threats to the University is a cyberattack which could prevent access to, or result in leakage of, our valuable research and administrative data. We need to ensure that all of our computers are kept up to date and regularly patched against the latest vulnerabilities to avoid such threats. 

2. What happens if I do not install the Windows 10 update?

It depends on what version of Windows 10 is currently running on your computer (please follow these instructions to verify if you are unsure): 

  • Windows 10 versions 1703 or older: your Windows 10 computer will be disabled, and you will no longer be able to use it. 
  • All Windows 10 devices: you will not be able to access Office 365 applications installed on your Windows 10 computer, such as Outlook, Teams, Word, and more. This includes Office 2016.

Additionally, whilst you only need to install the update on your University owned Windows 10 computer, please note that Office 365 will also be blocked on any personal Windows 10 computers until the University owned device is compliant. 

3. What do I need to do to ensure my Windows 10 computer is not impacted? 

Follow the steps below as soon as possible to ensure you have successfully installed the Windows 10 update: 

4. Which computers do I need to install this update on? 

The update must be installed on any University owned Windows 10 computer you use.  
You do not need to install the update on other versions of Windows Operating System (for example, Windows 7 and Windows 11), or other Operating Systems (such as iOS, Android, etc).  

If you believe you have already completed the update on your device, or you use multiple devices please contact IT using this form. 

5. Why am I still receiving communications about the Windows 10 update if I have already done the update on my computer? 

There are two main reasons: 

  • Reason 1: The update on your Windows 10 computer might have not successfully completed therefore you still need to do the update. 
  • Reason 2: You were the last person to login to a Windows 10 computer that has not been updated yet. If you no longer use multiple Windows 10 devices, please contact IT using this form. 

6. I have tried to install the Windows 10 update but it failed, what do I need to do? 

Please contact IT using this form so that we can assist you with the update. 

7. I have a business-critical need for my Windows 10 device and it cannot be impacted, what do I need to do? 

The first step is to ensure you have installed the Windows 10 update. If you are having issues completing this step or if you urgently need to restore access to your device, please contact IT using this form. 

8. Do I need to install the update on my personal computer? 

No. You only need to install the update on your University owned Windows 10 device. However, please note Office 365 will also be blocked on any personal Windows 10 computers until the University owned device is compliant. 

9. Can I still use Office 365 applications on my web browser or Windows Virtual Desktop? 

Yes, you will still be able to use Office 365 applications on your web browser or Windows Virtual Desktop.

If you have not installed the Windows 10 update on your University owned Windows 10 device, then you will not be able to use Office 365 applications installed on your Windows 10 computer, including personal devices.

10. Can I still use other software/applications on my Windows 10 computer? 

Yes. However, if your Windows 10 computer is running version 1703 or older, it will be disabled, and you will no longer be able to use it.

11. I manage a room with many Windows 10 desktops used for hot desking. Do I need to update all computers? 

Yes. All computers will need to be turned on and steps above completed to make the update. The last logged on user to use these devices will have been contacted to ask them to update it. It if is a shared  computer and they are not able to update, they need to contact IT using this form to let them know. 

12. I have a member of staff on long term absence / maternity leave, will they be able to update when they return? 

Yes. If the device remains disabled or without access to Office 365 applications, please contact IT using this form. Please let us know the device number for this machine so we can update our records. 

13. I am still waiting on a resolution for my VPN issue, will I still be impacted if I cannot install the Windows 10 update? 

In this instance, please contact IT using this form to let them know.