Skip to main content
NC State Home
College of Sciences
Faculty and Staff Resources

Windows 10 21H2 Update

OIT will enforce Windows 10 update on August 10

OIT plans to enforce an update to the latest version of Windows 10 (21H2) on university computers that are running prior versions of Windows 10, starting August 10, 2022 at 6 pm. 

  • You should install the update yourself before August 10th so that you can control when it occurs.
  • You will not be able to use your computer while the update is running.
  • The update can take up to a few hours to run, depending on your hardware. Once it starts you will not be able stop it. (You do not have to stay with your computer once you have started the installation.)

How do I install the update?

You can install the update at your convenience any time before the August 10th deadline.

  • We recommend that you set aside a block of time (a few hours) for the upgrade.
  • You do not have to stay with your computer after you start the update. It will complete automatically.
  • Your computer cannot be used during the update, and the update cannot be stopped.

The process we recommend is:

  1. Back up any data saved on your computer that you care about.
    • This is a best practice before any update to protect your work in the event of an unexpected failure. It usually takes less time to back up data than to recreate it!
    • Whenever possible, use Google Drive rather than storing files locally.
    • If you are backing up to an external drive, disconnect the external drive before installing the Windows 10 update.
    • Copies of files stored on the same computer you are updating are not considered backups, even if they are on two different hard drives!
      • Use Google Drive or another external storage location to make backup copies of your data.
  2. Reboot your computer.
    • Do not start any applications at all, including web browsers or email.
    • This step helps prevent the update from hanging.
  3. Launch Software Center (go to Start and type Software Center to find it)
  4. Click Operating Systems
  5. Click Windows 10 Education 21H2 Upgrade
  6. Click the Install button.

Caution: Do not turn off your computer during the update. If you do, your computer may become unusable and you may lose data.

What happens if I don’t install the update before the deadline?

Installing the upgrade yourself before August 10th will prevent the upgrade from starting automatically and unexpectedly (and inevitably at the worst possible time!)

Imagine turning your computer an hour or so before class and finding that the update still hasn’t finished by the start of class, or that the update starts during a presentation when you weren’t expecting it.

If you don’t install the update yourself before the deadline:

  • You will receive the update starting sometime after 6 pm on 8/10/2022.
  • The exact time is unpredictable.
  • If your computer is turned off, the update will start automatically when you turn your computer back on.
  • Once the update starts, you will not be able to stop it.

Turning off your computer during the update isn’t a solution – it won’t stop the update, could leave your computer unusable and may cause data loss.

I have questions or need help…

Sciences IT is glad to help – contact us at help@sciences.ncsu.edu 

Why is this update required?

To ensure that university computers running Windows 10 continue to run a supported version, OIT is requiring that all Windows 10 computers update to version 21H2. 

Besides being required for compliance with RUL 08.00.14, System & Software Security Patching Standard, staying up to date is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

It takes some time to install the update, but it takes a lot longer to recover from a compromise, malware, or data loss!