Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows 10 computers will no longer receive regular security updates from Microsoft, though some extended update options have been discussed for customers who need more time. For care facilities that depend on dozens or hundreds of workstations, the date is close enough that planning should start now.
Using an operating system that no longer receives security patches creates a growing risk. New vulnerabilities are discovered all the time, and unpatched systems become easy targets. For organizations covered by HIPAA, running unsupported software on systems that handle ePHI is difficult to defend in a risk analysis.
Build a complete list that includes:
Desktops at nursing stations, offices and reception
Laptops, including those used by administrators, therapists and clinical staff
Workstations on wheels and medication cart computers
Computers attached to equipment, such as time clocks, kiosks, therapy equipment or building systems
Shared and rarely used machines that tend to be forgotten
For each, record the make, model, age, operating system version, key applications, location and owner. Your IT provider can often generate much of this automatically from management tools.
Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including specific processor generations, a security chip called TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot support. Many computers purchased in the last several years qualify, while older ones do not. Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool, and management tools can report compatibility across the fleet.
Sort devices into groups:
Compatible, can upgrade in place
Not compatible but fairly new, which may need a hardware check or are candidates for replacement
Old and near end of life, replace
Special purpose, needing vendor input
Before upgrading, confirm that important software works on Windows 11:
Your EMR and any locally installed components, browser plug-ins or printers drivers
Medication cart and barcode scanning software
Time clock and payroll applications
Scanners, signature pads, label printers and card readers
Therapy, imaging or other specialty applications
Older line-of-business software
Ask vendors in writing whether they support Windows 11 and what version is required. Do not assume. Test in a pilot group before the broader rollout.
For each group, consider:
Upgrade in place where hardware qualifies and testing passes
Replace old machines, using the opportunity to standardize models
Move to web-based or virtual desktop access for some uses, which can let you use lower-cost devices
Retire devices you no longer need
Isolate unsupported machines that cannot be replaced soon, restricting their network access, as a short-term measure with documented risk acceptance
Costs include hardware, setup labor, data migration, new peripherals, software licenses and staff training. Lead times for equipment can vary, so order early. A phased plan might look like this:
Now through spring: inventory, compatibility checks and vendor confirmations
Late spring through summer: pilot, order equipment, replace the oldest devices
Late summer into fall: roll out in waves by department
Before October 14: finish critical systems and verify exceptions
Spreading purchases across budget periods may be easier than a single large expense. Ask your provider about leasing or device-as-a-service options if they fit.
Schedule upgrades by unit, outside peak charting times
Replace shared computers one at a time so a unit never has none
Train staff on what changes, such as the Start menu and settings, with a one-page guide
Have extra support available during the first days after each wave
Keep the old device available briefly for data checks, then wipe it securely before disposal
Old computers may hold PHI on their drives. Use certified data destruction or secure wiping, document it, and keep records. HIPAA expects policies for disposal and media reuse.
UnityCare IT can inventory your computers, test compatibility with your EMR and peripherals, and manage the upgrade or replacement project from planning through staff support. The sooner you know how many machines are affected, the more flexibility you have.
Call or text: 405-285-3845
New customers: start@unitycareit.com
Existing customers: support@unitycareit.com
Address: UnityCare Technologies, 2524 N Broadway Ste 554, PMB 947974, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034-4172