The Windows 10 End-of-Life / Windows 11 Transition initiative is an HHS IT effort to transition all HSC-owned and managed workstations to Windows 11 ahead of Microsoft’s Windows 10 EOL (End of Life) on October 14th, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 PCs will no longer receive updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks and instability. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures continued security, support, and access to enhanced performance and new features, enabling HSC to safeguard its digital environment and prepare for the future.
Windows 11 has more stringent hardware requirements than Windows 10, which means that some older computers will not be able to be updated to Windows 11. Most HSC-Owned/Managed devices purchased since 2019 can run Windows 11; devices purchased in 2016 or earlier are typically not compatible. (The following information is a generalization based on CIO quotes for “Standard Workstations”.)
Year Purchased Likely Compatibility
2019 or newer Likely Compatible
2018 - 2019 Likely Compatible
2017 - 2018 Mixed Compatibility
2016 or older Likely NOT Compatible
More information on device compatibility may be found below in the section titled “System Requirements & Compatible Workstations”. If you find that your hardware is Not Compatible or otherwise unsupported, we encourage you to review the links below.
HSC Standards-Based Computing
HSC CIO Quotes & Standards for Workstations
HSC Workstation Reimbursement Program
To prepare for the Windows 11 transition:
Changes associated with this transition have already begun! The HSC IT Service Desk and several HSC departments have been deploying Windows 11 workstations in the environment over the last year with an increase over the last several months and no significant issues have been reported. As stated above, Windows 11 is now the standard default Operating System for HSC Images as of April 2025. This means that any HSC PC workstation submitted for Imaging or Re-Imaging will be deployed with Windows 11 installed.
HSC currently offers two means of upgrading your HSC-owned/managed workstation to Windows 11: (Re)Image and In-Place Upgrade; additional Opt-In options will be made available soon. In addition to “Opt-In” upgrade options currently available, Windows 11 is scheduled to be deployed to HSC users in Q3 of 2025 as a type of Windows Update called a “Feature Update”. The Feature Update rollout will be sequentially applied to groups of workstations in “Update Rings”. Users of these workstations will receive notification of their specific groups Go Live date prior to rollout. A calendar of the scheduled rollout will be provided at a later date.
We understand the organizational challenges this may present to your department and want you to know that HSC IT is here to support you during this change that all HSC devices must undergo. If you have further questions or encounter any issues during (or after) the upgrade process, please contact your respective IT Personnel, the HSC IT Service Desk at (505) 272-1694, make a Help ticket by going to: http://hscithelp.health.unm.edu/, or send an email to HSC-Win-11-Transition-Team@salud.unm.edu.
Check this page often for updates to transition timelines, hardware readiness & compatibility, and Tip-Sheets & Troubleshooting guides.
We thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition to Windows 11.
Please note that the requirement to upgrade to Windows 11 is rooted in HSC policy. The lack of Security Updates associated with Windows 10 EOL has been identified as a vulnerability that must remediated; excerpts of the associated policy are referenced below.
The objective of this policy is a reduction of operational risk associated with Health Sciences (HSC)
information systems. Vulnerabilities in information systems are weaknesses that can be exploited by a
threat. Operational risk of loss or compromise of an information system is a function of vulnerabilities
and threat actors that exploit them. Because of this, when HSC reduces information system
vulnerabilities, it reduces the operational risk for Health Sciences and the many constituent
organizations.
This policy and the associated plan apply to information systems and networks that are managed by
Health Sciences or reside on Health Sciences networks, including endpoint computers (e.g., desktops,
laptops), servers and associated storage systems, software, clinical/medical devices, information storage
devices, networking devices. It also encompasses personally-owned devices that are authorized to
> connect to Health System networks.
HSC Students, Staff and Faculty
Cooperate with cyber security and IT administrative when a vulnerability is identified and must be remediated on systems or applications under their control.
Windows 11 is compatible with a large range of PCs. If you’re currently using Windows 10 on a “Standard Workstation” as previously quoted by CIO over the last five years, it’s likely that you’ll be able to run Windows 11 without issue as Windows 11 is built on the framework of Windows 10. Workstations older than five years or deemed as “Non-Standard” may not be Windows 11 compatible. Below is a list of hardware requirements necessary for running Windows 11:
System Requirements
Additional information, including Feature-Specific Requirements, may be found at the links below:
Windows 11 Hardware Requirements
Windows 11 Supported Intel Processors
Windows 11 Supported AMD Processors
If you’re not familiar with how to identify hardware details on your device or if you would prefer to review a list of compatible models found in our environment, see the list below.
Windows 11 Workstation Compatibility Matrix
Note that we have identified a number of workstation models reporting as incompatible—several of which may only require a firmware update or configuration change in order to apply Windows 11. As such, we have listed non-confirmed devices as “Pending Review”. If your workstation model has been identified in the “Pending Review” column or if you know that your device is incompatible with Windows 11, please contact the HSC-Win-11-Transition-Team@salud.unm.edu for further assistance.
In addition to Device Readiness concerns, there’s also the question of “Application Readiness”. Though most apps that work on Windows 10 will run without issue on Windows 11, some apps can become incompatible with new Windows versions due to changes in the OS's architecture, security features, or system requirements. After upgrading to a newer Windows version, previously working apps might stop functioning properly as they may not support these updates, impacting PC stability and performance. You might see messages like, "This app or game can't run on your device." These issues can occur even with apps that were compatible with earlier versions of the same Windows platform. Though no issues are anticipated with the update process, we understand that there are some unique use cases across the environment that could be impacted by the update to Windows 11. A workflow has been developed to identify, mitigate, and address these issues before the Feature Update rollout goes live later this year.
The Windows 11 Transition Team is currently performing an audit of all software installed on HSC-Owned/Managed workstations. The software audited is being researched for Windows 11 compatibility to optimize the Update Rings of workstations being targeted for the upcoming Feature Update rollout. Workstations that are identified as having software with no Windows 11 conflicts or that include software that has Low Risk of negative institutional impact will be placed in Update Rings targeted for earlier Feature Update rollouts. Devices that are identified as having questionable Windows 11 compatibility and/or include software that has a greater chance of negative institutional impact will be placed in Update Rings targeted for later Feature Update rollouts. Devices that have been identified as having a high degree of criticality and/or severity of institutional impact will be remediated by hand or Security Exceptions may be applied, where necessary.
During this evaluation process, there may be cases in which the audited software, its purpose, or its use case cannot be identified. In cases such as these, the Windows 11 Transition Team will be reaching out to Departmental IT Personnel and their respective users with questionnaires so that the software and associated workstation(s) may be properly classified and prioritized accordingly. In the weeks that follow, keep an eye out for emails from HSC-Win-11-Transition-Team@salud.unm.edu should your device/software fall into this category. Likewise, you can also proactively report software with known Windows 11 conflicts by emailing the Windows 11 Transition Team at the above address.
If you’re currently using Windows 10 version 22H2 (or greater), you’re less likely to have issues performing an In-Place Upgrade. If you’re using a version of Windows that pre-dates Windows 10 version 22H2, you may be able to run a “step” Task Sequence (HSC Windows 10 22H2 [In-Place Upgrade]) before running the Windows 11 24H2 [In Place Upgrade] Task Sequence, but we highly recommend that the device be Re-Imaged. Continual In-Place Upgrades performed on a single device overtime can eventually lead to instability in the Operating System which may contribute to future issues. Click here to learn how to identify your current Operating System version.
If you would like to have your workstation (Re)Imaged with Windows 11, please contact your respective IT Personnel, the HSC IT Service Desk at (505) 272-1694, or make a Help ticket by going to: http://hscithelp.health.unm.edu/
Important Note RE: BitLocker Encrypted External Media When Re-Imaging a Device!
If you have BitLocker encrypted external media (Flash Drive or External HDD/SSD) that was encrypted on the device you plan to re-image, ensure that you have access to the data stored on your external BitLocker encrypted media BEFORE you re-image your device. The recovery keys for BitLocker encrypted media are stored on the AD record of the device that performed the encryption. If your device happens to be DELETED from the domain during the imaging process, we will not be able to attain recovery keys for your BitLocker encrypted external media.
Backup Your Data!
Though this upgrade process has been tested thoroughly and used extensively, there is always a risk of data loss or unexpected behavior when applying a Windows Update or large patch that requires a system reboot. Please ensure you have backed up all important data from your local host to the network or encrypted Flash Drive/external storage before initiating the upgrade.
NOTE: You must be on-site and connected to the Health domain via Ethernet to perform the following steps.
On an HSC Imaged device, do the following:
If your workstation fails a Readiness Check during the upgrade process, the update will be abandoned, you will receive an error message stating the cause of the failure, and your workstation will remain in its current state. If this happens, please contact your respective IT Personnel, the HSC IT Service Desk at (505) 272-1694, make a Help ticket by going to: http://hscithelp.health.unm.edu/, or send an email to HSC-Win-11-Transition-Team@salud.unm.edu.
Click here for detailed instructions that include images and additional troubleshooting information.
Q. What happens if I don’t upgrade my system?
A. Systems that remain on Windows 10 after the end-of-life date will be considered out of compliance with the HSC policy. These systems may be blocked from accessing network resources or required to be remediated by IT.
Q. Do I need to back up my files before upgrading?
A. Yes. The upgrade process is designed to retain your files, however, it is strongly recommended that users back up important files to their own network drive or their HSC OneDrive before the upgrade in case of unexpected issues.
Q. Can I upgrade now or do I need to wait?
A. If you would like to upgrade early, you can opt in by using Software Center, Look for “HSC Windows 11 24H2 [In-Place Upgrade]” under Operating Systems and follow the on-screen instructions.
Q. How long will the upgrade take?
A. The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on system specifications and internet speeds. Please make sure to back up your files before starting and allow adequate time for the installation to be completed. Your device will restart during the process.
Q. Will this affect any of the software I use?
A. Most standard applications will continue to work in Windows 11, but some legacy applications may need to be tested or updated. IT is working with departments to identify and address any software compatibility concerns.
Q. Will my device need to be reimaged?
A. Not Necessarily. Many upgrades can be performed in-place. However, some devices may need to be reimaged if they have non-standard configurations, outdated hardware, or unsupported software.
Q. What if I have a personally owned device I use for work?
A. Personally owned devices used to access HSC resources must still meet security and compatibility standards. If your device is on Windows 10, you must update it to Windows 11 by October 14th, 2025. Windows 10 will no longer be supported after that date and those devices may no longer be allowed to connect to secure resources.
Q. What about mobile devices like iPhone or Android? Do they need to be running Windows 11?
A. No Windows 11 requirements only apply to Windows-based computers. However, all personal mobile devices still need to be enrolled in Intune to access HSC systems securely.
Q. Do I need to be on campus to run the In-place Upgrade?
A. Yes, your workstation must be on-site, connected to the health domain, and using a wired connection to successfully run the upgrade process. Off-site In-Place Upgrade options will be available in the future.
Q. What happens if the upgrade fails or my system isn’t compatible?
A. If your workstation fails the Readiness Check, the upgrade will not proceed, and you will receive an error with details. Your system will remain unchanged. Contact your IT support or the Windows 11 Transition Team for assistance with troubleshooting or next steps.
Q. What if my device cannot be upgraded due to hardware limitations?
A. If your device is not compatible with Windows 11, IT will work with you to determine the best path forward. In some cases, this may involve updating firmware, reconfiguring settings, or replacing the device.
Q. How will I know when my workstation is scheduled for upgrade?
A. Workstations will be grouped into "Update Rings” for a phased rollout. Users will be notified in advance of their Go Live date. A full deployment calendar will be posted on the HSC Windows 11 Transition website.
Q. What if I need to stay on Windows 10 past the October 2025 deadline?
A. A Security Exception will need to be requested and approved. Devices with approved exceptions will be tracked and mitigated according to HSC policy. Contact your IT support team or the Windows 11 Transition Team to begin the Security Exception process.
Q. Can I request a Re-Image instead of doing the In-Place Upgrade?
A. Yes. You can request that your workstation be reimaged with Windows 11 by contacting your IT support or submitting a ticket through the HSC IT help portal at:http://hscithelp.health.unm.edu
Q. Who do I contact if I have questions about the Windows 11 upgrade or need help with my device?
A. For questions related to Windows 11 compatibility, upgrade instructions, scheduling, or known issues, you may contact your IT support or the Windows 11 Transition Team directly by emailing HSC-win-11-transition-team@salud.unm.edu
Q. Are Mac users affected by this transition?
A. If you run a Windows VM (Virtual Machine) on your Apple device, you are affected by this change. Windows-imaged Virtual Machines on HSC-owned/managed hardware (Apple devices included) must upgrade their VM to Windows 11.
Q. How do I order a new workstation if my current system is not compatible with windows 11?
A. If your current device does not meet Windows 11 requirements, you may be eligible to order new equipment through the Workstation Reimbursement program. Visit the HSC Quotes Page at https://hsc.unm.edu/about/cio/technology-support/quotes-workstation-printers.html for pre-approved system configurations and pricing.
Q. How do I qualify for the HSC Academic Workstation Reimbursement Program (WRP)?
A. Instructions on how to apply for the program and more information can be found at https://hsc.unm.edu/about/cio/reimbursement.html. The program will continue until funding is gone. If you have any questions about the WRP or workstation standards please email: HSC-CIO-Notices@salud.unm.edu
Physical Location:
Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center
Room 317A
Phone: 505-272-1694
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm