"Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, meaning any devices still running the operating system will no longer receive critical security patches - including those used in medical settings. While Redmond offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for organizations and users unable to move off Windows 10, the directive from NHS England is to upgrade to Windows 11 to protect patient data and keep clinical systems secure."
"James Rawlinson, the trust's director of health informatics, said that while 98 percent of its Microsoft estate has already been upgraded, around 2 percent of devices remain on older software because suppliers have not yet updated their systems to support Windows 11. "We have some examples where we bought clinical and medical equipment and the manufacturer now says we have to buy it brand new even though it's only three years old," Rawlinson said."
"Rawlinson said the trust had quarantined outdated devices to minimize cyber risk while it attempted to negotiate solutions with suppliers, calling the issue "worrisome." "Historically these medical equipment suppliers have provided end-to-end support for their software and equipment, but then suddenly say 'It's nothing to do with us, it's up to your local IT to look after it, but don't worry, you can buy extended support from Microsoft.' It just stinks," he said."
NHS trusts cannot complete Windows 11 upgrades because some medical-device suppliers have not updated their products for the new operating system. One supplier quoted Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust £25,000 to upgrade a three-year-old device. Around 98 percent of the trust's Microsoft estate has been upgraded, leaving roughly 2 percent on Windows 10. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, so outdated devices will no longer receive critical security patches. Microsoft offers paid Extended Security Updates, but NHS England directs upgrades to Windows 11. Quarantining outdated devices reduces cyber risk but can disrupt patient care and device communication.
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