Windows 10 End of Support -   Important Security Information for BYOT Devices

We are informing you of a significant technology update that may affect your child's Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) device and their learning experience at St Columba Anglican School.

What's Happening?

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide:

• Security updates and patches

• Technical support

• Bug fixes or system improvements

This change affects any laptops, tablets, or devices running Windows 10 that students bring to school as part of our BYOT program.

Security Risks

Continuing to use Windows 10 devices after the end-of-support date presents several security concerns:

• Vulnerability to cyber attacks - Without security patches, devices become increasingly vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other security threats

• Data protection risks - Student work, personal information, and school network access could be compromised

• Network security - Unsupported devices may pose risks to our school's digital infrastructure and other connected devices

School Policy and Timeline

To ensure the safety and security of all students and our school network:

1. Amnesty Period: We will continue to allow Windows 10 BYOT devices on our network until December 31, 2026 to give families time to plan and upgrade

2. After January 1, 2027: Windows 10 devices will no longer be permitted to connect to the school network or be used for school-related activities. This is an industry-wide application to ensure the security of networks globally. 

Next Steps

We encourage you to:

1. Check if your current Windows 10 device is eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade

2. Begin planning for a device upgrade if needed

3. Contact our EdTech support team if you have questions or need assistance with a BYOT device. It is certainly in the interest of all families to also check their personal home devices. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or require further information about this transition.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a secure and effective learning environment for all our students.