Transition to Windows 11

Microsoft has announced the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. More information can be found here: Windows 10 End of Support Announcement Therefore, VCM will begin transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 starting April 8, 2025, and will be fully transitioned by October 14, 2025. After this date, VCM will no longer host any Windows 10-based VMs.

Schedule

• April 8, 2025: All VCM users may begin reserving Windows 11-based VMs. Faculty may begin requesting course-based AppStacks based on Windows 11.
• May 3, 2025: End of spring semester. Existing Windows 10 VMs may be renewed, but no new Windows 10-based reservations will be permitted moving forward.
• August 11, 2025: End of summer semester. Existing Windows 10 VMs may be renewed.
• October 14, 2025: Windows 10 End of Life. Any VM still running Windows 10 will be quarantined by Duke IT Security and may not be renewed.

What does this mean for VCM users?

• At the end of the spring-2025 semester, any new Windows-based VM you reserve will be running Windows 11.
• While not recommended, you may continue to renew your existing Windows 10-based reservations until October 14, 2025. After this date, Duke IT security will restrict all network access to your VM. See Endpoint Device and Quarantine Policy for more information.
• Note: This guide is specific to Windows-based VM reservations. Linux VMs and container reservations are not affected by this transition.

Why?

Due to the end of support for Windows 10, continuing to use it would pose security risks and compliance issues. Transitioning to Windows 11 ensures that all VCM users benefit from the latest security updates, features, and support from Microsoft.

Can I perform an in-place upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 myself?

No. VCM does not support in-place upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11 because Windows 11 has new hardware requirements that are incompatible with current Windows 10 VMs.

How to Prepare

1. Backup Your Data: Ensure all important data on your Windows 10 VMs are backed up before the transition dates.
   • Options for data storage include:
     • CIFS/SMB homedir
     • GitLab access
     • Cloud-hosted storage in Box and OneDrive
   • More details can be found here: VCM Data Storage Options
2. Learn About Windows 11:
   • Key features include:
     • New start menu and desktop interface
     • New widgets app
     • Improved security
     • 99.6% compatibility with Windows 10 applications
   • Explore the free Windows 11 Essential Training course provided by LinkedIn Learning.
3. Plan Your Transition:
   • Review the schedule and mark important dates.
   • Reserve your Windows 11 VM early to avoid delays and prevent losing access to your data.
   • Ensure you've backed up your data before the transition dates.

How to reserve a Windows 11 VM

1. Backup your VM data using the information provided previously.
2. Deleting your existing VM reservation by visiting vcm.duke.edu, selecting your existing VM reservation, and then clicking 'Delete this reservation'.
3. Request a new Windows 11-based reservation by clicking 'Reserve a VM' and from the list choose 'Windows 11'.