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Wake Forest University

Unsupported Operating Systems

Modified on: Thu, Oct 29, 2026 1:36 PM


To maintain a secure digital environment for the campus community, Wake Forest University does not support the use of out-of-support operating systems (OS) on the university network. All devices connected to the WFU network must run an actively supported operating system.

What is an "Out-of-Support" Operating System? An operating system is considered out of support (or "End of Life") when the original software developer—such as Apple or Microsoft—no longer provides regular security updates, bug fixes, or technical patches for it.

Why is this Policy in Place? Operating systems that no longer receive security updates are highly vulnerable to cyber threats, malware, and data breaches.

How to Check if Your Operating System is Supported Manufacturers routinely retire older versions of their operating systems. You can verify if your current OS is still receiving updates by reviewing the industry lifecycle trackers below:

Note: If your operating system version is marked as "End of Life" (EOL) on these lists, it is not supported on the WFU network.

What You Need to Do

  1. Update Your Device: If your computer is running an unsupported OS, please check for system updates and upgrade to the newest available version immediately.

  2. Hardware Limitations: In some cases, older computer hardware may not meet the technical requirements to install a modern, supported operating system. If your device cannot be upgraded to a supported OS, it may need to be replaced.


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