USD ITS Operating Systems

Current Supported Versions

Windows 11 Version 24H2

Windows 11 Update Timeline

• Computers with Windows 11 started shipping to USD at the start of the Spring 2024 semester.
• Starting Summer 2024, ITS Technical Support Services began updating all classroom and computer lab workstations to Windows 11.
  • This phase was completed by the start of the Fall 2024 semester.
• Client Windows computers (aka CRP and shared computers) will be updated to Windows 11 starting in Summer 2025. Updates are expected to be completed by mid-Fall 2025.
• The Windows 11 update for client computers is currently available via the Windows@USD portal, which is installed on all USD Windows computers. The first forced upgrade pushes will begin in Summer 2025 and continue through Fall 2025.
  • Users who are away from campus during the Summer 2025 can update to Windows 11 at their leisure until September 14th, 2025. At that time updates will be pushed with up to a one week deferment that users can opt-in to.
    • Computers for on-premise employees will be pushed to their PCs throughout Summer 2025.
  • Computers not updated to Windows 11 by the end of Fall 2025 may be blocked at ITS’ discretion for use until the update can be completed.

Windows 11 Availability

• Windows 11 is available to all computers running Windows 11 compatible software. At the time of ITS' testing, Windows 11 runs with all offerings in the USD ITS Software Catalog.
  • If at any time a USD ITS Software Catalog item is not compatible with a particular Windows feature update, computers running that software title will be blocked from Windows Updates until the software vendor issues a patch.
  • Software utilized that is not part of the USD ITS Software Catalog falls on the user's responsibility to know its compatibility with Windows 11. Determining a path for upgrading is required, or the software can no longer be used.
  • It is highly recommended that if you feel these points apply to you, to contact the software vendor ASAP to ensure they have Windows 11 support by the end of Summer 2025.
  • If vendor update timelines fall outside of Summer 2025, please email help@sandiego.edu to create a support ticket so ITS can work with you to ensure maximum uptime.

Unsupported Versions of Windows

• The use of legacy and discontinued versions of Windows on the USD network, regardless of whether it is being used for university business or teaching purposes, is forbidden. Any endpoints with these versions of Windows installed will be subject to being blocked from the USD network or forcibly removed from it by ITS due to security and vulnerability issues. End-users are required to update or replace their systems if they have an older non-supported Windows version.
  
  
• Those versions of Windows are:
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Windows ME
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows 98 & 98SE
  • Windows 95
  • Windows 3.1 and below

Current Supported Version

• For macOS USD ITS supports the current and one previous version of macOS. At the time of this documentation those versions are:
  • macOS 14 (Sonoma)
  • macOS 15 (Sequoia)

macOS 15 (Sequoia) Update Timeline

• Starting Wednesday, January 15, 2025 all macOS computer assigned to faculty, staff, administrators and shared workstations will have received a pop-up Nudge notification permitting end-users to update their OSes.
  After this date, end-users who have not updated will be presented with a pop up to perform the update every thirty minutes until they do.
• ITS has chosen to employ this tactic because of the growing frequency and severity of new and upcoming cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Resources

• Mac@USD Webpage

Current and Discontinued Versions of macOS

• The chart below contains current USD supported and discontinued macOS versions that are no longer supported by ITS due to security, vulnerability and end of Apple support reasons. End-users are required to update or replace their systems if you have an older non supported macOS version

Current Supported Version

• USD ITS supports recent LTS versions of Ubuntu. At the time of this documentation those versions are:
  • Ubuntu 22.04

NVidia graphics cards are only supported on a best-effort basis and are not recommended.

We can also support AlmaLinux 8 and 9 and RedHat Enterprise Linux 8 and 9 (extra licensing cost may be required).

Windows and Mac operating systems along with mobile OS (e.g Android, iOS) are composed of numerous components, each serving a specific function, ideally working together seamlessly. However, if an operating system is not updated, issues may occur and your system could be left with major vulnerabilities. It's crucial to address these vulnerabilities and patch your operating system as quickly as possible.

There are three key reasons to keep your operating system and software up to date:

1. Security: Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Installing the latest operating system updates for computers and mobile devices help protect systems and data from cyberattacks.
2. Performance: Operating system updates enhance your device’s functionality and efficiency. As computer systems or mobile devices age, they can become sluggish. Upgrading to the latest Windows Feature, Mac version, or mobile OS updates can improve performance and productivity.
3. Operating System and Software Support: Vendors release updates to keep your devices running smoothly. Using an outdated operating system or software title may result in losing support from both the vendor or third-party app software. This leaves you without an option to receive new features or updates.

How to keep your computer or mobile device up to date:

Windows Operating System

1. Click on the Windows Start Menu and select or type 'Control Panel'.
2. Select or type 'Windows Update".
3. Select 'Check for Updates'.
4. Install all recommended updates.

MacOS

1. Click on the Apple menu icon on the top left hand corner of your screen.
2. Select 'App Store'.
3. Click on Updates in the top Menu Bar of the application.
4. Click 'Update All' to install all the application and operating system updates.

Ubuntu Linux

Software Updater
Open Software Updater to check for updates and click “Install Now”
Select “Restart Now” to save the installation

Terminal
Run “sudo apt update” and “sudo apt upgrade”, entering your password and pressing Y when prompted.

Command line
Run update-manager -c to start the graphical guided wizard upgrade process
You can also run “/user/lib/Ubuntu-release-upgrader/check-new-release-gtk”

Mobile Devices

Android Devices

1. Open Settings
2. Tap System
3. Tap Software update
4. Check your update status and follow any on-screen instructions

iOS Devices

To keep your iOS up to date, you can turn on automatic updates or manually check for updates:

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update
2. Tap Automatic Updates, then turn on Download iOS Updates
3. Turn on Install iOS Updates
4. Your device automatically updates to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Some updates might need to be installed manually.

Software and Third Party Applications

Most computer users are knowledgeable when updating an operating system, though many forget to recognize that third-party applications like Google Chrome, Adobe Acrobat, or other University software also require updates. Failure to do so will put your system's security and stability at risk.

Ensure all software that have built-in updating options are enabled and running the latest compatible software versions. Searching for the update tool in the software or reviewing the vendor's website is the best place to begin.

Crowdstrike

• Crowdstrike is our centrally managed endpoint security management software installed on all USD Windows and Mac computers. A Crowdstrike sensor (agent) is deployed on all CRP and non-CRP computers. New CRP and non-CRP computers have Crowdstrike pre-installed before they are handed to users.
• Crowdstrike is utilized on campus computers only. Staff and student personal computers are not eligible.
• How can I tell if Crowdstrike is installed on my computer?

Windows agents are visible at the bottom right corner of your screen in the Windows System Tray by the clock. There is an icon with a falcon on it. When you hover your mouse over the icon it says Crowdstrike.

Mac agents are visible in System Settings (Gray gear on the dock) -> Notifications (Red Bell Icon) option on the left side menu options -> Falcon icon in the Notifications Center menu under Application Notifications.

• If you still see Symantec Antivirus in your System Tray, it should be removed as this is our old antivirus software and is out of date.
• What if I don't see a sensor in the location mentioned or still retain Symantec on your Windows or Mac computer?

Contact the Help Desk help@sandiego.edu

Microsoft announced that Windows 10 will reach end of life on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates or technical support. Continuing to use devices running Windows 10, whether by not upgrading or by retaining machines that do not support Windows 11, will pose a significant security risk to the university’s computing environment.

To prepare for this transition, USD ITS is making Windows 11 available for upgrade on all USD-managed Windows 10 computers that meet Microsoft’s system requirements. These requirements include specific hardware capabilities, which most devices purchased within the last five years should meet.

What You Need to Know:

Eligible USD-managed Windows computers can be upgraded to Windows 11 through the Software Center application. Software Center is a tool installed on your computer that allows you to access and install university-approved software and upgrades and updates without needing administrative access.

We are asking everyone to complete the upgrade as soon as possible, and no later than September 14, 2025. After this date, ITS will begin automatically upgrading eligible devices to ensure compliance with university security standards. All qualifying computers must be upgraded by October 14, 2025.

For best results, we recommend performing the upgrade while on campus and connected via ethernet to the university network. Wi-Fi is okay though not preferred. For remote users, If being on campus is not possible, please ensure you’re connected to the USD VPN to allow the upgrade to become available.

The upgrade will take 90-120 minutes on campus and will vary remotely depending on the speed of your internet connection. A minimum of 35 GB of free disk space is required for the upgrade to complete.

Only computers running Windows 10 will see the upgrade option in the Software Center.

• If you’re already running Windows 11, no upgrade will appear, but you can still access the Software Center for other approved/scoped applications.
  
  

If Your Device Does Not Meet the Requirements for Windows 11:

If your USD-owned device is more than five years old or is unable to be upgraded to Windows 11 due to older hardware that limits upgrades, you need to order a new one through the USD Hardware Portal.

What You Need to Do:

Reminder: The upgrade process typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. You should save your work and back up any important files before beginning.

Once the installation starts and the first steps are completed, a message will appear notifying you that your computer will automatically restart to continue the upgrade.

To Begin the Upgrade:

1. Click the Start Menu or Search icon and start typing “Software Center.”
   
   
2. Open Software Center. Select the “Operating Systems” tab and select “Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade.”
   
   
3. Click Install and confirm when prompted.
   
   
4. The Installation Progress window will appear and remain on screen. Once the upgrade reaches the restart phase, your computer will automatically reboot after a brief countdown.Reminder: Please ensure all work is saved before beginning the installation, as the restart cannot be postponed.
   
   
5. After the restart, the upgrade will continue. This phase will take additional time and may involve multiple restarts. Progress indicators will appear throughout the process until the upgrade is complete and the login screen returns.

You may defer the installation until the end of the workday or workweek. We recommend doing so to minimize disruption.


Need Assistance?

For additional information about this Windows upgrade at USD, please visit our USD Operating Systems Webpage under Operating System Upgrade and Update FAQ’s.

Thank you for prioritizing this important update and for your continued cooperation in keeping USD’s devices and network secure.

If you have any questions or need assistance during the upgrade process, please contact the USD ITS Help Desk at help@sandiego.edu or 619-260-7900.

An operating system Upgrade is related to an installation of a new operating system version being installed on your computer. For example upgrading from MacOS 14 (Sonoma) to MacOS 15 (Sequoia) or Windows 10 to Windows 11 is an operating system upgrade. This can take anywhere from 30min - 2 hours depending on the speed and internet connectivity of your computer and equipment.

An operating system Update is related to the installation of patches or security updates being installed on your computer. For example, running weekly updates on Mac or Windows is an example of an update. Usually they take anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on the speed and internet connectivity of your computer and equipment.

Any computer that’s in its five-year life cycle is guaranteed to work with the update.

If you have a computer that’s five years or older but less than seven, it’s likely to be compatible. If the computer is beyond seven years old, it is not compatible.

If at any time you are unsure if your computer is modern enough to run an upgrade, please contact the ITS Help Desk to set up an assessment with Technical Support Services.

If your OS update/upgrade is missing from Software Center or Mac@USD please contact the Help Desk.

• If your Windows computer does NOT have Software Center, located at the bottom right corner of your screen near the system tray and clock, OR if your Mac does not have Mac@USD, located in the doc or searchable with the search feature, please contact the Help Desk.

The installation for any Windows update or upgrade is available in the Software Center

MacOS upgrades will be available in Mac @ USD

• While on-premises, users need to be on Ethernet or WiFi
• Remote users will need to use VPN

It is recommended that you regularly back up your data. However, when doing a Windows or macOS upgrade, the upgrade does not typically touch the data or remove any data from the computer.

ITS recommends running any OS upgrade after work hours or during the weekend.

Upgrades can be run during business hours though be mindful that some Operating System upgrades can take up to 90 minutes or more depending on the speed and internet connectivity of your computer and equipment.

ITS does not support third-party extensions. Stated on the Operating Systems webpage, anyone who is running unsupported software (e.g, system extensions), it’s the customer’s responsibility to check for operating system compatibility issues for Windows 11 or macOS upgrades.

As a reminder, you're vulnerable to ransomware attacks, viruses, malware etc due to no additional updates/patches to be provided after an operating system is no longer current

As it turns out, the interface of an OS is typically locked by the OS manufacturer, and ITS does not modify it to look like older versions.

ITS does not install or recommend installing third party modifications that can affect the graphical interface or the functionality.

The Windows information website can be found here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11?ocid=cmm0rc11irk&r=1

The macOS Support website can be found here:

https://support.apple.com/mac