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Information Technology Services

Windows 10 Migration FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions regarding Windows 10 and Pace’s migration to Microsoft’s latest operating system.

What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is Microsoft’s latest operating system formally released in July, 2015. It is the successor to Windows 8.1.

What operating system am I currently using on my Pace desktop or laptop?
Most Pace users are currently running Windows 10; Pace’s latest Windows operating system to be standardized. To find out what operating system you are using, check which of the following Start buttons are visible on your computer. Windows 7 Start button: and Window 10 Start button:

What happened to Windows 8 and 8.1?
Windows 8 & 8.1 were not standardized by ITS and were never formally deployed. The operating system strayed too far from Windows 7 in terms of interface and usability. Therefore, Windows 8 and 8.1 were skipped by ITS in favor of Windows 10 which offered a similar experience for Windows 7 users.

Why is Pace moving to Windows 10?
Microsoft's last security patches and updates to Windows 7 will be released on January 14th 2020 thus ending support and marking Windows 7 as "End of Life" (EOL). ITS will utilize Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program for the remaining Windows 7 machines that have not been upgraded. This is in order to mitigate any Windows 7 security vulnerabilities and exploits discovered past the EOL date. ITS expects all Pace-owned Windows desktops/laptops will be upgraded to Windows 10 by January 14th 2021.

I am a Mac user, does this affect me?
In most cases, no, this move does not affect Mac users. However, if you are using a virtual machine or Boot Camp on your Mac to run Windows 7, you will need to upgrade.

When will I be upgraded to Windows 10?
Most users will receive Windows 10 at the time of their University Computer Replacement (UR). Those wishing to receive Windows 10 prior to their UR can submit a help desk ticket at or call the ITS Help Desk at (914) 773-3333. Due to high call volumes and University Replacement prioritization, your ticket may not be able to be fulfilled at your requested time.

Are classrooms upgraded to Windows 10?
All computer labs and classrooms have been upgraded to Windows 10 since summer 2018.

What can I expect from Windows 10 when I am upgraded?
The biggest change you will see in Windows 10 is the user interface. The Start Menu and Taskbar have been revamped and shortcuts/buttons may appear in slightly different places as well as new ones being added. In combination with newer hardware received through the University Replacement Program and departmental purchases, you will experience faster performance. Overall, the Windows functionality is still the same. Programs you have been using such as Outlook, Word, and Excel will not change when run on Windows 10. Notable new features are highlighted in the PowerPoint presentation (PDF), downloadable on this page.

If Windows 10 was released in July, 2015, why is Pace now moving to Windows 10?
Although there are benefits to early adoption of software, it is good practice to allow operating systems an extended period of time to prove stability and usability. In addition, third party developers may not have their software fully compatible with a new operating system come its release date. Therefore, ITS waited to standardize Windows 10 until August, 2017.