Please note that as of March 2023, IT Services no longer provide support for computers running Windows 7, except for disposal or help to upgrade.
This article contains further details about the removal of devices running Windows 7 from the network, including the responsibilities of Windows 7 computer owners and what support you can expect from IT.
Microsoft support for Windows 7 ended in January 2023 and University IT support for Windows 7 ended in March 2023.
As part of the Windows Refresh project, Windows 7 computers now fall in to one of four categories:
The vast majority of Windows 7 computers have been replaced with managed* computers. In some cases Windows 7 computers were retired without replacement, as they were no longer needed.
*a managed computer conforms to the following standard:
IT Support: IT Services provide full support for managed computers
Some Windows 7 computers were not replaced or retired under the Windows Refresh project because they are connected to specialist equipment such as lab equipment.
These computers have been disconnected from the University network and should only be used as a standalone computer and not connected to any University or home network, including eduroam or home wifi/internet.
Owners of these computers have been granted full administrator access. New processes, such as transferring data via an external device, may need to be developed to accommodate the lack of a network connection.
IT support: IT Services do not support Windows 7 computers that have been disconnected from the network, except for disposal or help to upgrade. We cannot accept requests for support, apart from these cases
Owner responsibilities: Owners of Windows 7 computers that have been disconnected from the network are responsible for their own ongoing support and maintenance. You should create a plan to replace or upgrade these computers and have a contingency plan in case the computer fails irrecoverably.
In a very small number of cases (less than 0.1% of University computers), Windows 7 computers have been joined to a private network (VLAN) where a network connection is deemed critical to University operations.
The private network is a short term workaround and will be retired in September 2024, with no alternative.
Connection to the Private VLAN is governed through the IT Change Advisory Board.
Owners of these computers have been granted full administrator access and are responsible for their own support.
IT support: IT Services provide no support for Windows 7 computers that have been connected to the private network, except for disposal, help to upgrade or ensure the private network is in good working order. We cannot accept requests for support, apart from these cases.
Owner responsibilities: Owners of Windows 7 computers that have been moved to a private network are responsible for their own ongoing support and maintenance. You should create a plan and budget to retire, replace or upgrade these computers which must be implemented by September 2024 when the private network will be retired. You should also have a contingency plan should the computer fail irrecoverably.
Windows 7 computers that do not fall in to one of the above categories were not identified by the Windows Refresh project and have been disconnected from the university network with no further configuration applied.
The Windows Refresh funding has come to an end, so any replacement costs now need to be borne by the local Faculty or Service.
IT support: IT Services do not support Windows 7 that were not identified by the Windows Refresh project, except for disposal. We cannot accept requests for support, apart from this case.
Owner responsibilities: Owners of Windows 7 computers that were not identified by the Windows Refresh project should seek to have the device retired or replaced through standard IT channels.