WASHINGTON — In accordance with the Department of Defense mandate, the Air Force must complete a migration from Microsoft Windows 7 to Windows 10 by March 31.
Any system not upgraded by the deadline will be denied access to the network.
At Hill Air Force Base, two Windows 10 upgrade paths are in work; existing computers that cannot be migrated, and those that can.
If a computer doesn’t meet the minimum specifications for Windows 10, it will be replaced. If the computer does meet the minimum specifications, the Windows 10 upgrade will be pushed after normal duty hours; users will receive notification one day prior via a pop-up message.
“The Windows 10 migration is critical to Air Force readiness,” said Lt. Col. Brian Snyder, Windows 10 lead action officer, cyberspace strategy and policy. “It introduces a number of new security features; making it the most secure Windows version to date.
Additionally, base and organizational leadership must ensure communication/cyber squadrons are provided all the support and availability necessary to guarantee success.”
To minimize downtime during the migration, users should take the following steps:
1) Manually back up their data to a shared drive or DVD discs
2) Make a list of any special computer software or hardware the technician
will need to install and provide to the unit property custodians
3) Ensure computer is left on and connected to the network
4) Be patient, both upgrades will take 1-2 hours to complete
The security features allow software patches to install faster, making it less obtrusive to Airmen while its ability to counter emerging cyber intrusion makes the networks safer. This will have a positive security impact on the protection of DoD and special access programs, mission systems, as well as strategic, tactical, research and development, testing and evaluation systems.
“In cyberspace, every Airman is an operator. They need to be aware of a cyber threat and do their part by being prepared for the Win10 migration,” said Bill Marion, deputy chief, information dominance and deputy chief information officer. “The long-term benefit is not just about defending the Air Force against the cyber threat, but having a reliable and capable computer to accomplish the mission.”
For any questions about Windows 10 migration, please email the Hill AFB Windows 10 Deployment Team 75ABW.SCOSD.Windows10OCC@us.af.mil.
(75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs contributed to this article.)
