Supported Operating Systems
University-owned computers must run a supported operating system and be properly configured to connect to the campus network. A minimum set of security and management software must also be installed and maintained.
If you have a university-owned workstation, laptop, or tablet that is still running Windows 10 or Windows 7, please contact the ITS Help Desk and provide your asset tag number to schedule an upgrade.
ITS Help Desk
Phone: (608) 342-1400
Email: helpdesk@uwplatt.edu
Windows 11 Professional / Enterprise
Windows 11 is the university's supported Microsoft operating system.
- Minimum supported version: 24H2
- Recommended version: 25H2 or later
- All critical and security updates must be installed through Windows Update.
- Automatic Updates must remain enabled.
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus must be active and up to date.
- Cisco Secure Endpoint Connector must be installed and up to date.
- The device must be managed using university endpoint management tools.
- File and Print Sharing services should be disabled unless specifically required and approved by ITS.
For current Microsoft lifecycle information, see the Windows Lifecycle FAQ .
Legacy Windows Operating Systems
Windows 10 Professional / Enterprise
Support Ended October 14, 2025
Windows 10 is no longer considered a supported university workstation operating system. Any device still running Windows 10 should be upgraded to Windows 11 or replaced.
To schedule an upgrade, submit the Computer Reimage to Windows 11 request.
Windows 7 Professional / Enterprise
Support Ended January 14, 2020
Windows 7 is not a supported operating system. Limited exceptions may be granted for specialized instrumentation, research equipment, or legacy hardware that cannot operate on a modern operating system.
If you possess a Windows 7 system that is not required for specialized equipment, contact the ITS Help Desk immediately to discuss replacement options.
Windows XP Professional
No Longer Supported by Microsoft
Windows XP is not a supported operating system. Limited exceptions may be granted for specialized instrumentation or equipment that requires Windows XP to function.
If you have a Windows XP system that is not supporting specialized equipment, contact the ITS Help Desk immediately.
Additional information is available from Microsoft: What does it mean if Windows isn't supported?
macOS
ITS requires all Mac computers to run a supported and fully patched version of macOS. If your Mac is running an older, unsupported version, please contact your ITS liaison to discuss upgrading the operating system or replacing the computer.
- Automatic Updates must remain enabled.
- All security updates must be installed.
- Cisco Secure Endpoint Connector must be installed and up to date.
- The device must be managed using university endpoint management tools.
Apple currently provides security updates for the following macOS versions:
- macOS 27 – Golden Gate
- macOS 26 – Tahoe
- macOS 15 – Sequoia
Summary of Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 11 Professional/Enterprise (24H2 minimum, 25H2 recommended)
- macOS 27 – Golden Gate
- macOS 26 – Tahoe
- macOS 15 – Sequoia
Operating systems not listed above are considered unsupported unless specifically approved by ITS for specialized business, instructional, research, or instrumentation requirements.
Need help?
If you have questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 608.342.1400 or helpdesk@uwplatt.edu. You may also visit the Help Desk on the first floor of the Karrmann Library.