Windows 10 End of Life¶

Starting in October 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. This affects the Home, Pro, Education and Enterprise editions. The Long Term versions, LTSB/LTSC, will have extended support, though this varies by version. Depending on your installed version, you need to take action to keep your computer connected to the network.

What version of Windows do I have?¶

There are various ways to check, but most only show part of the important information. The easiest way is to run this PowerShell command:

$info=gin
$reg=gp "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion"
if(
    $info.WindowsProductName -like "*LTSC*" -or
    $info.WindowsProductName -like "*LTSB*"
){
    [pscustomobject]@{
        WindowsProductName=$info.WindowsProductName
        OsArchitecture=$info.OsArchitecture
        BiosFirmwareType=$info.BiosFirmwareType
    }|fl
}else{
    [pscustomobject]@{
        OsName=$info.OsName
        DisplayVersion=$reg.DisplayVersion
        OsArchitecture=$info.OsArchitecture
        BiosFirmwareType=$info.BiosFirmwareType
    }|fl
}

Example output:

OsName : Microsoft Windows 10 Education
DisplayVersion : 22H2
OsArchitecture : 64-bit
BiosFirmwareType : Uefi

or

WindowsProductName : Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019
OsArchitecture : 64-bit
BiosFirmwareType : Uefi

How long is my Windows version supported?¶

To check the support duration of your Windows, we've summarized the most common versions here. The lifecycle information of all Microsoft products can be found here.

To what Windows version can I upgrade?¶

Now that you have the basic info about your system, you can choose your upgrade options.

Legend

ISG Recommendations¶

We generally recommend upgrading standard office computers to Windows 11 24H2, but only on supported devices. Installing the upgrade on unsupported hardware may lead to issues with future feature updates being blocked or failing to install properly. For lab computers, we always recommend using an LTSC version to avoid frequent system changes.

!!!! DISCLAIMER !!!!

Since updates can go wrong or not yield the desired result, we recommend creating an image backup, e.g. with CloneZilla, before you begin with the upgrade

Upgrade Instructions¶

Upgrade to Windows 10 LTSC 2019¶

• Order MS Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC Version 2021 from itshop.ethz.ch
• Copy ISO from the old folder on the share to your local machine and mount it.
• Open cmd/PowerShell as administrator
• Run D:\Setup.exe /pkey M7XTQ-FN8P6-TTKYV-9D4CC-J462D (replace drive letter as needed)
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to select the option to Keep personal files and apps when prompted.

Upgrade to Windows 10 LTSC 2021¶

• Order MS Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC Version 2021 from itshop.ethz.ch
• Copy ISO from the share to your local machine and mount it.
• Open cmd/PowerShell as administrator
• If upgrading from Windows 10 Education/Enterprise version, run:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" /v EditionID /t REG_SZ /d "EnterpriseS" /f

• Run D:\Setup.exe /pkey M7XTQ-FN8P6-TTKYV-9D4CC-J462D (replace drive letter as needed)
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to select the option to Keep personal files and apps when prompted.

Upgrade to Windows 11 LTSC 2024¶

⚠️ Only upgrade systems with CPUs newer than Intel Core i 1st Gen or AMD Ryzen 1st Gen. Contact ISG for questions.

• Order MS Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC Version 2024 from itshop.ethz.ch
• Copy ISO from the share to your local machine and mount it.
• Open cmd/PowerShell as administrator
• If upgrading from Windows 10 Pro/Education/Enterprise version, run:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" /v EditionID /t REG_SZ /d "EnterpriseS" /f

• Run D:\Setup.exe /pkey M7XTQ-FN8P6-TTKYV-9D4CC-J462D /product server (replace drive letter as needed)

• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to select the option to Keep personal files and apps when prompted.

• Only if upgrading from Windows 10 Pro version, this additional task is necessary for activating on ETH kms server after installation, in an admin cmd window run these commands:

slmgr.vbs -skms kms2.ethz.ch
slmgr.vbs -ato

Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2¶

⚠️ Only upgrade supported systems. Use WhyNotWin11.

• If your system is Windows 10 Enterprise and not Education, first change your license key:
• Open cmd/PowerShell as administrator
• run this command:

slmgr.vbs /ipk NW6C2-QMPVW-D7KKK-3GKT6-VCFB2

• Restart the system
• Download the installer from microsoft.com
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure to select the option to Keep personal files and apps when prompted.

Upgrade Problems¶

System firmware is Legacy and not UEFI¶

A migration path is available to convert your system's partition table (from MBR to GPT) to support UEFI boot mode. Please ensure that your BIOS is UEFI-compatible before proceeding. For further assistance, feel free to contact the ISG

Device no longer works¶

This issue is usually caused by outdated drivers. Please try updating them via Windows Update Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced options -> optional updates. If no updates are available, check the device manufacturer's website for the latest drivers. If you still need help, feel free to contact us — we’ll be happy to assist you.