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Equitable Digital Access (EDA) Device Decommission

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education’s Equitable Digital Access (EDA) programme was established to help students access digital learning resources during lockdowns.  

The EDA programme ended on 30 June 2024. 

During the EDA programme, the Ministry distributed Chromebooks and Windows Laptops to schools and students, as well as Microsoft accounts that allowed students to log into the Windows Laptops. 

Now that the EDA programme has been discontinued, the Ministry is in the process of removing the devices from our management and deleting any associated accounts. 

The date for decommission of EDA devices (Chromebooks and Windows Laptops), and Ministry created Microsoft accounts, is scheduled for Monday 1 September 2025.   

This means that on Monday 1 September 2025, all EDA devices will be automatically reset and will not be managed or receive updates, and any Ministry created accounts will be deleted.  

Schools and students that still have or use EDA devices, and/or accounts, will need to complete the following actions before Monday 1 September 2025: 

  • Create personal accounts (Google or Microsoft) if they don’t already have one;
  • Backup or move any files that are saved on EDA devices or saved in Ministry created Microsoft OneDrive accounts; and  
  • Reset devices to factory default settings to continue to use devices.    

Create a personal account 

To create a personal Google or Microsoft account, you can use the following links: 

We recommend that you do not use your school, work, or university email address to create personal accounts. You may lose access to such accounts when you finish your education or change jobs. 

Backing up personal files 

Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, iCloud, or Dropbox are the easiest and safest methods of backing up your data.  

Once you have created a personal online account, or if you have one already, you can login and upload files for safe keeping.  
Alternatively, you can use a USB drive or external hard drive to download your personal files. 

Ensure that you have copied all personal files from the EDA device that you want to keep before resetting the device or before the automatic reset on Monday 1 September 2025. 

Resetting to factory defaults 

An automated reset for all EDA devices (Chromebook and Laptops) is scheduled for Monday 1 September 2025. 

We recommend that you manually reset the EDA device at a convenient time before this deadline. 

Use the following links to assist with a manual reset of the EDA device: 

When you manually reset EDA device, ensure that throughout the process, it is: 

  • powered on,  
  • connected to power, and  
  • connected to the internet. 

If you do not reset the EDA device manually, it will be automatically reset on Monday 1 September 2025.  

This may result in data loss, loss of applications, restricted access to basic functions like Wi-Fi and software updates, or even prevent the ability to sign in to the EDA device. Over time, the device may become completely unusable. 

Once reset, the device will not be restricted by the EDA programme’s settings, meaning you can personalise it as you wish. You will be able to install the apps you need, set your preferences, and use the device freely without limitations. Resetting ensures that your device stays secure and works properly, allowing you to set it up as a personal device. 

Devices no longer required 

If you no longer need the EDA device (Chromebook or laptop), return it to your school for recycling. This will allow other students to benefit from the device.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q: What was the Equitable Digital Access (EDA) programme?  
A: The Equitable Digital Access (EDA) programme was started by the Ministry of Education during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to help students access digital learning resources while they were at home. It provided Chromebooks and Windows Laptops to students and schools. 

Q: When did the EDA programme end?  
A: The EDA programme ended on 30 June 2024. 

Q: What is happening to the EDA devices now?  
A: Since the EDA programme has ended, the Ministry is removing the devices from their management and deleting any associated accounts. This process is called decommissioning. 

Q: When will the EDA devices be decommissioned?  
A: The decommissioning of EDA devices (Chromebooks and Windows Laptops) and Ministry-created Microsoft accounts is scheduled for Monday, 1 September 2025. 

Q: What does decommissioning mean for the devices?  
A: On 1 September 2025, all EDA devices will be automatically reset to its factory default and will no longer be managed. Any Ministry-created accounts will also be deleted.  The devices will then be able to used by schools or students using personal accounts. 

Q: What do students need to do before the decommissioning date?  
A: Students need to: 

  • Create personal accounts (Google or Microsoft).
  • Backup or move any files that are on EDA devices or saved in Ministry-created Microsoft accounts.
  • Reset devices to factory default to continue using them. 

Q: How can students create personal accounts?  
A: Students can create personal Google or Microsoft accounts using the following links: 
Google: Create a Google Account 
Microsoft: Microsoft account | Sign In or Create Your Account Today – Microsoft 

Q: How can students back up their personal files?  
A: Students can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, iCloud, or Dropbox to back up their data. They can also use a USB drive or external hard drive to download their personal files. 

Q: Can students reset their devices manually?  
A: Yes.  Students can reset their devices manually by following the instructions for their individual device type: 

Q: What happens if students don't reset their devices manually?  
A: If students don't reset their devices manually, the devices will be automatically reset on 1 September 2025. This may result in data loss, loss of applications, restricted access to basic functions like Wi-Fi and software updates, or even prevent the ability to sign in to the device. 

Q: What should students do if they no longer need the EDA device?  
A: If students no longer need the EDA device, they should return it to their school for recycling. This will allow other students to benefit from the device. 

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