In this guide, you will find instructions about upgrading to Windows 11.

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Microsoft ended official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, free software updates will no longer be offered, which increases security risks.

Microsoft has announced that European consumers will be offered free security updates for Windows 10 until October 13, 2026.

Important clarification: this free extension does not apply to computers of organizations, including work computers of the University of Tartu.

From the Microsoft website:

  • The consumer extension is aimed at home users who can't or don't want to upgrade to Windows 11 right away.
  • The extension cannot be used in a business environment (eg domain or Microsoft Entra joined computers).

Therefore, relying on a free extension is not possible for university computers. All Windows 10 computers on campus must be upgraded to Windows 11 to ensure a secure and supported operation.

The IT department recommends upgrading the existing operating system to Windows 11 early.

Paid ESU license

If the transition to Windows 11 is not immediately possible for some reason, the university has the option of ordering a paid Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU) license.

  • The ESU license extends the availability of Windows 10 security updates for an annual fee.
  • It can only be used in selected cases where upgrading a device to Windows 11 is difficult or impossible.
  • You can get information about ordering the license and its cost by contacting IT helpdesk.

Preparation

The update is only visible to computers that meet the hardware and software requirements. If you have any questions, please contact IT helpdesk.

Before you start the upgrade, make sure that the following points are met:

  • Make sure that backup is turned on.
    Make sure to back up your important files before upgrading. You can do this, for example, using OneDrive or another backup service (check Microsoft OneDrive).
  • Before starting the installation, make sure you have saved any work in progress.
  • Make sure that your computer has enough free disk space to install Windows 11.
    At least 32 GB of free space is recommended (check How to free up space on my computer?).
  • If you are using a laptop, make sure that the charger is connected during the installation.
    This will help prevent unexpected shutdowns and ensure a smooth installation process.
  • If updates are available for your current version of Windows, the Windows 11 upgrade may not be available until you install these updates.
    Install the updates for your current version of Windows, restart your device, and then try to search for the Windows 11 upgrade again.
  • We recommend starting this process at the end of the workday, as you will not be able to use your computer for other activities at the same time.
    Your computer will automatically restart several times during the installation. The process can take 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Installing

  1. Once the Windows 11 upgrade has been tested and validated for a specific computer, Windows Update will show that it is ready to install:

    1. Open Start → click Get updates → click Check for updates.
      1. If clicking Check for updates doesn't offer an update, try clicking Check online for updates.

    2. When Windows 11 is ready to install on your device, a message will appear in the Windows Update window indicating that Windows 11 is ready.

    3. To continue installing Windows 11, click the Download and install button.

For more information, check Microsoft: Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade