Preparing for Windows 10 End of Support: Strategies for Student Labs and Shared Devices

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical support will be provided after that date. For educational institutions, this deadline has significant implications for shared environments like student computer labs, library workstations, and classroom device carts. These high-traffic areas often rely on older hardware and require careful planning to maintain security, functionality, and minimal disruption to learning.

Timeline

October 14, 2025
Support for Windows 10 ends.

Shared devices present unique challenges compared to individually assigned laptops or staff workstations:

• High Usage: Labs and shared devices serve hundreds or thousands of students, making them critical hubs for learning and research.
• Older Hardware: Many lab devices may predate Windows 11’s hardware requirements, complicating upgrades.
• Security Risks: Unsupported devices without security updates are prime targets for malware, especially in multi-user environments.
• Downtime Sensitivity: Upgrades or replacements must minimize class schedules and academic workflow disruption.

By preparing now, schools can avoid last-minute scrambles, maintain compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., FERPA), and ensure a seamless experience for students and faculty.

Here are practical, achievable steps to transition student labs and shared devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11, tailored to the resources and constraints of educational institutions.

Audit Your Current Lab and Shared Device Fleet

What to Do:

• Use Microsoft Intune or the PC Health Check app to inventory all lab and shared devices.
• Identify which devices meet Windows 11 hardware requirements:
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64-bit compatible.
  • RAM: 4 GB or more.
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger.
  • TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled.

Categorize devices into Windows 11 Eligible and Non-Eligible lists. Start with a single lab or cart to test the process.

Upgrade Eligible Devices to Windows 11

What to Do:

• Use Windows Update for simple upgrades on compatible devices or Microsoft Intune for bulk deployments across multiple labs.
• Perform upgrades during off-hours (e.g., weekends or summer break) to avoid interrupting classes.
• Configure Windows 11 with multi-user profiles using Local Group Policy or Intune to support shared access.

Address Non-Eligible Devices

For devices that don’t meet Windows 11 requirements, schools have practical options:

• Option A: Replace Hardware Strategically
  • What to Do:
    • Prioritize replacing the oldest or most critical lab devices with affordable Windows 11-compatible PCs.
    • Leverage Microsoft’s Education Device Program for discounted hardware through approved partners.
    • Use Windows Autopilot to pre-configure new devices with lab settings before deployment.
• Option B: Extend Windows 10 with ESU (Temporary)
  • What to Do:
    • Enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to receive critical security updates for Windows 10 for up to three years post-October 2025.
    • Use this as a stopgap while planning hardware upgrades.

Action: Request a quote for ESU through your Microsoft account representative and begin sourcing replacement devices for non-eligible units.

Optimize Shared Device Configurations

What to Do:

• Set up Windows 11 Education or Enterprise editions with shared PC mode to streamline multi-user access.
  • Enable via Intune or Configuration Manager with settings like guest login or restricted app access.
• Use Microsoft Edge in kiosk mode for library or testing stations, locking devices to specific websites (e.g., research databases or assessment tools).
• Back up lab configurations with OneDrive or Windows Backup to preserve settings and files.

Minimize Disruption with a Phased Approach

What to Do:

• Create a timeline:
  • Spring 2025: Audit and pilot upgrades.
  • Summer 2025: Upgrade eligible devices and replace critical non-eligible units.
  • Fall 2025: Finalize deployments and monitor.

Microsoft Tools to Make It Happen

• Microsoft Intune: Manage upgrades, enforce policies, and monitor devices remotely.
• Windows Autopilot: Simplify setup for new hardware deployments.
• Endpoint Analytics: Track device health and performance post-upgrade.
• Microsoft 365 Education: Leverage included tools like OneDrive and Teams for backups and communication.

These tools are accessible to schools through A1/A3/A5 Microsoft 365 subscriptions or free trials, making them practical for any budget.

Conclusion

The Windows 10 End of Support deadline is fast approaching. Still, with the right strategies, K12 and Higher Education IT departments can transition student labs and shared devices to Windows 11 smoothly and affordably. You can maintain secure, efficient learning environments without breaking the bank by auditing your fleet, upgrading eligible devices, addressing older hardware, and optimizing configurations.