Windows 10 and 11

Windows 10 and 11 are a Microsoft operating systems, designed to be run on Windows-compatible computers. An upgrade to this operating system from previous versions of Windows is available to eligible individuals at Columbia University under the terms of a campus-wide license agreement with Microsoft Corporation. This product can be installed on eligible systems used for your Columbia-related work.

Related Information

Windows 10 and 11 Activation Steps
Microsoft Downloads for Students
VPN Download and Instructions
Windows 10 Logo
Windows 11 logo: White text "Windows 11" next to a white windowpane on a blue backgound

Please note:

  • Support: Although Windows 11 is available for installation through our agreement with Microsoft, CUIT does not support Windows 11. If you need help with this software after installing it on a home computer, please obtain support from a third-party service provider in your local area.​​​​
  • Applications: Currently, Administrative Applications are not certified to run on Windows 11.
  • Installation: Eligibility to download Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 is generally limited to University officers, support staff and faculty, with exceptions for certain graduate/professional students at CUIMC and the Business School. All students should visit the Microsoft Software Portal for MS downloads to personal devices. If you are not eligible, you will not be able to download the installer and will be redirected to a page with additional information.
  • CUIT-managed Computers: This upgrade is not to be installed on CUIT-managed desktops. CUIT is responsible for any upgrades to machines that they manage.

How to Download and Install Microsoft Windows 10 and 11

  1. Ensure that your computer meets the necessary requirements to install Windows 10 or Windows 11.
  2. Download the appropriate ISO image for your computer (Requires login with your UNI and password.):
  3. Visit the Microsoft website if you need help determining which version is correct for your computer.
  4. Save the ISO image to your hard drive, making note of where you saved it.
  5. The ISO image (Win_10_xxxx_xxx.iso) should be used to create installation media for your computer.
    • You can use an ISO to USB tool. CUIT recommends using RUFUS.
  6. After the installation media has been created, restart your computer using the installation media as the startup source.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation/configuration of Windows 10 or 11.
  8. After Windows 10 or 11 has finished installing, please follow the activation instructions to fully activate it.