Operating system

Note:
As of 15 October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer be supported. For security reasons, computers with this operating system may no longer be operated on the network. We therefore recommend installing Windows 11.

Further information on the settings for a low-data configuration of Windows 11 can be found in the  Windows 10 low-data configuration guide (in german).

In order to install a Microsoft Windows operating system on your institute computer, it must already be equipped with a hardware-bound, qualifying basic license.

Therefore, PCs running Windows must always be ordered with a qualifying base license (e.g. Windows 11 Home).

Since there have recently been several cases of undesired automatic hard disk encryption, in some cases with data loss, we urgently recommend that you do not use new computers with the pre-installed Windows or install them yourself. Instead, please use the installation service of the KIM:

We completely reinstall the computer. You get a clean Windows 11 Edu version as well as a current version of Office, Adobe Acrobat, ESET, Firefox, and Cisco Anyconnect. If you want to use Adobe Acrobat DC, you have to register at the corresponding course in ILIAS and follow the instructions! This service is only available with the mentioned software configuration. Other application software or separate installations of the mentioned software are unfortunately not possible. For this, you will need to bring your device to the workshop, and we need a support request. The installation takes one to two working days, depending on the current order volume.

Please note:

Computers WITH qualified operating systems

• If your computer has a qualified basic license, this can be complemented by an operating system license in a second step from the Microsoft state contract. This is an upgrade license.  You can find additional information on the state license here.
• You can find further information from the manufacturer here.

Computers WITHOUT a qualified operating system

• If Microsoft Windows is to be installed later on a computer without a qualified operating system, this can only be done using a system builder version.
• System builder licences (OEM) are only intended for installation on a new computer. They do not contain any support and cannot be transferred to another computer.
• If you need a system builder licence, please fill out the form found here and send it to us.

Important information

• Licences from the Microsoft Imagine programme are not considered qualified basic licences!
• Imagine can only be used by individual persons for very specific purposes. With their participation in the programme and the download of the product, each Imagine user confirms that he or she has read the appropriate licence regulations and uses the software in compliance with these.

From the Imagine terms of use:

The software, which is part of the membership, may not be used for IT infrastructure or administration purposes in the school, university, association, or organization which is the Imagine premium member.

The institute, lecturers, or employees who do not directly use Imagine Premium for teaching or system administration may not install the software on their own computers.

(Source: catalog.imagine.microsoft.com/de-de/Institutions/Guidelines)