Windows 10 Support is Ending. Is Your NHS Trust Prepared?

Upgrading to Windows 11 is a critical step in supporting the UK Government’s NHS digitalisation strategy and ensuring compliance with evolving cybersecurity, performance, and sustainability requirements. With the government investing £2.3 billion to digitise NHS services and modernise legacy IT infrastructure (NHS England), transitioning to a more secure and efficient operating system is essential.

Key Benefits of Upgrading to Windows 11 for the NHS

1. Future-proofing NHS Systems 

• Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025, meaning NHS systems running on outdated software will be vulnerable to security breaches and compatibility issues.
• Windows 11 ensures long-term compatibility with the latest healthcare applications, supporting AI-driven diagnostics, remote consultations, and real-time patient monitoring solutions. Optimised for modern hardware, it offers faster boot times and improved system efficiency. 
• Improved cloud integration ensures better access to electronic health records (EHRs) and patient management systems, reducing IT downtime and administrative delays.

2. Sustainability and NHS Net Zero Goals 

• Windows 11 is designed to be more energy-efficient, reduce power consumption, and support the NHS’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 (NHS Greener Plan).
• The operating system optimises energy usage by scheduling system updates during times of lower carbon electricity demand, reducing the environmental impact of IT operations.
• It supports modern, low-energy hardware, cuts down on electronic waste, and promotes more sustainable NHS procurement strategies.
• Cloud adoption reduces reliance on energy-intensive on-premise servers, helping NHS trusts lower their IT-related carbon footprint.

3. Enhanced Cybersecurity & Compliance 

• Windows 11 includes built-in security features such as hardware-based isolation, Secure Boot, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, which protect against cyber threats like ransomware and data breaches.
• These security enhancements help NHS organisations comply with Cyber Essentials, DSP Toolkit, and NHS Digital security standards, ensuring that patient data remains secure and accessible only to authorised users.
• The NHS has been targeted by significant cyberattacks, such as the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, which caused widespread system failures (National Audit Office). Upgrading to Windows 11 mitigates these risks by ensuring that systems receive ongoing security updates and support.

How Bates IT Supports NHS Organisations with Windows 11 Migration

Bates IT, a trusted NHS IT partner with demonstrable experience, has successfully supported major healthcare organisations in upgrading and managing critical IT. With over 70 years of experience working alongside NHS teams, we understand that IT isn’t just about infrastructure - it’s about ensuring clinicians and staff have the technology they need to deliver outstanding patient care.  

"The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have worked with Bates IT since September 2020 and would have no hesitation in recommending their services. The Directors take personal care and pride in the support of the Trust and their staff also provide that same level of care and diligence". 

Tina Giles, Director of Technology, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Windows 11 Migration Services: 

• Comprehensive System Audits – Assessing NHS IT environments for Windows 11 readiness.
• Seamless Deployment – Ensuring minimal disruption to clinical operations during the transition.
• Security Hardening & Compliance – Aligning NHS IT systems with the latest cybersecurity frameworks.
• Ongoing IT Support & Optimisation – Providing managed IT services to maintain system integrity post-upgrade.

Get in Touch 

If you would like to discuss your windows 11 upgrade requirements with a specialist from our dedicated healthcare practice, please get in touch: 

E : info@bates-group.co.uk   T : 01371 875522

Further information about our critical network and ICT infrastructure managed solutions that support NHS digitalisation projects can be viewed here.