An operating system (OS) is the core software that runs your device and lets everything else work, from email and browsers to the apps you use every day. It runs on desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones.
KAUST IT supports a selected list of operating systems so that every University-owned device stays secure, compatible, and supportable. This page shows which versions are supported today, what each support status means for you, and what to do if your
device needs to be upgraded.
What should I do?
Find your device's OS and version in the table below, then check its status:
Active: You are set. No action needed.
Phasing Out: Plan to upgrade soon. KAUST IT will guide you.
Supported operating systems
Newest and most-supported versions appear first. Support status last reviewed: June 2026.
| Edition | Version | Support status | End of support |
|---|
| Windows
|
| Education | Windows 11, 24H2 | Active
(Default)
| October 12, 2027 |
| Pro / Pro for Workstation | Windows 11, 24H2 | Phasing
Out
| October 13, 2026 |
| Education | Windows 11, 23H2 | Phasing
Out
| November 10, 2026 |
| Pro / Pro for Workstation | Windows 11, 23H2 | End
of Service
| November 11, 2025 |
| All | Windows 10, 22H2 | End
of Service
| October 14, 2025 |
| macOS
|
| All editions | Tahoe (26) | Testing
| TBD |
| All editions | Sequoia (15) | Active
(Default)
| Expected Fall 2027 |
| All editions | Sonoma (14) | Phasing
Out
| Expected Fall 2026 |
| All editions | Ventura (13) | End
of Service
| October 31, 2025 |
| Linux (Ubuntu)
|
| All editions | 24.04 LTS | Active
(Default)
| April 2029 |
| All editions | 22.04 LTS | Active
| April 2027 |
| All editions | 20.04 LTS | End
of Service
| May 31, 2025 |
What each status means
Testing
Still being evaluated by KAUST IT. Not yet available as an upgrade or for general support.
Active
(Default)
Fully supported. New machines are built with this version unless you request otherwise.
Active
Fully supported and installed on request.
Phasing
Out
Still supported and still receiving security updates, but no longer used for new builds. Plan to upgrade.
End
of Service
No longer supported. Continued use requires justification, approval, and periodic review.
Frequently asked questions
What is an operating system?
It is the core software that runs your device and lets all your other programs work. Windows, macOS, and Linux are all operating systems.
What does "End of Service" (EoS) mean?
When a version reaches End of Service, the company that makes it (Microsoft, Apple, or Canonical) stops releasing security updates and patches for it. The device still turns on and runs, but it no longer gets protection against new threats, which
is why KAUST IT cannot keep it on the network indefinitely.
What do "Active," "Phasing Out," and "Testing" mean?
- Active versions are fully supported. You do not need to do anything.
- Phasing Out versions still work and still get security updates, but they are on their way out. New machines are no longer built with them, so plan to upgrade.
- Testing versions are still being evaluated by KAUST IT and are not yet available for general use or support. They are not offered as an upgrade option until they become official.
Why do I need to keep my OS up to date?
Once a version stops getting updates, your device becomes more exposed to security risks and less compatible with KAUST services. To protect the wider network, devices running unsupported versions can lose access to KAUST systems. This applies
to virtual machines too: if you run a VM, it also needs to stay on a supported OS.
How do I check which version I am running?
Windows
- Open Settings.
- In the search bar, type About your PC.
- Scroll to Windows specifications to see your edition and version.
macOS
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
- Select About This Mac.
- Your macOS name and version number are shown at the top.
Linux (Ubuntu)
- Open Settings, then About, to see your Ubuntu version, or
- Open a terminal and run
lsb_release -a
Can I upgrade my KAUST device myself?
- Windows: Yes. If your device is eligible, open Software Center from the Start menu and run the upgrade yourself. No administrator rights needed. See Installing Software on Your KAUST Device. KAUST IT also rolls out upgrades in phases, so you may receive a reminder email, but you do not have to wait for it.
- macOS: Yes. Open Self Service+ and run the upgrade from there. No administrator rights needed. See Installing Software on Your KAUST Device.
- Linux: Ubuntu upgrades must be done one LTS version at a time. Contact IT before upgrading so we can help you do it safely.
How will I know if my device needs to be upgraded?
KAUST IT will email you about the Windows, Apple, and Linux devices registered to you or signed in under your name. The email tells you whether each device is eligible to upgrade. If you manage several devices, it lists the KAUST Tag Numbers so
you can track them easily.
What if my device is not eligible for an upgrade?
If you receive an email saying your device cannot be upgraded, it is best to plan an early replacement. See
KAUST IT Managed Devices for your options, or contact IT and we will help you with next steps.
I still have a Windows 10 machine. What should I do?
Windows 10 reached End of Service on October 14, 2025, so it no longer receives security updates. If your device is eligible, you can upgrade to Windows 11 through
Software Center, and KAUST IT will also include eligible devices
in the phased rollout. If it is not eligible, see
KAUST IT Managed Devices to plan a replacement. In the meantime, keep it enrolled
in KAUST IT management so it stays as protected as possible.
Who do I contact for help?
Reach the IT Service Desk anytime through
VITA, by phone at 910 (on campus) or +966 (12) 808-0910, or visit the walk-in desk in Building 14, Ground Floor.
Need a hand?
910 on campus, or +966 (12) 808-0910
Walk-in: Building 14, Ground Floor
