By MARTY LEVINE

If your University-owned or personal computer is using Windows 7 to connect to Pitt resources, you will be blocked from accessing Pitt’s network beginning in late March.

The move, say the folks at Pitt IT, is necessary because Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7 in mid-January. That means the company is sending no updates to block potential hackers or viruses, forcing the University to prevent Windows 7 users’ access to its resources.

Unless you want to disconnect from the Internet or apply for an exception, you’ll need to upgrade.

Those with University-owned computers are advised to contact their department’s IT support staff for upgrading assistance.

Faculty and staff with personally owned computers can buy Windows 10 from Microsoft or a third party, and are instructed to check Microsoft’s upgrade FAQ and Windows 10 upgrade instructions for details.

Students with personally owned computers may download Windows 10 for free from pitt.onthehub.com. 

Details on ways to upgrade to Windows 10 or another operating system are outlined on the Pitt IT website.

The website also offers instructions for upgrading from Windows Server 2008 to Windows Server 2019, now that Microsoft support for the former also is being discontinued.

Marty Levine is a staff writer for the University Times. Reach him at martyl@pitt.edu or 412-758-4859.

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