{"id":4055,"date":"2025-10-02T07:49:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T07:49:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.perimed-instruments.com\/us\/?p=4055"},"modified":"2025-10-02T07:51:49","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T07:51:49","slug":"why-upgrading-to-windows-11-is-crucial-especially-for-healthcare-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.perimed-instruments.com\/us\/blog\/why-upgrading-to-windows-11-is-crucial-especially-for-healthcare-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Why upgrading to Windows 11 is crucial \u2014 especially for healthcare services"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A few weeks ago, I was talking with one of my colleagues after she’d returned from installing a software update at a customer site. The biomedical engineer at the hospital was discussing his current headache: completing the migration to Microsoft\u00ae Windows\u00ae 11<\/strong> for several hundred computers before the October 13 deadline<\/strong>. After this date, Windows 10 officially goes end of life (EoL), and that means no more security patches or any other kind of update that will keep their IT environment and patient data secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, I explore the risks of improper software maintenance, not just for operating systems like Windows, but also for bespoke solutions like the ones we provide at Perimed.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\/\/Deirdre P. Doyle<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Every time the conversation turns to unsupported software, I\u2019m reminded of the WannaCry ransomware outbreak in May 2017, which exploited a known vulnerability<\/strong> in Windows systems. The cyberattack affected hundreds of thousands of systems worldwide, with the UK\u2019s National Health Service (NHS) among the major victims.<\/p>\n\n\n

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While the UK Department of Health and Social Care estimated the breach at \u00a392 million<\/strong>, the actual cost was likely significantly higher, considering the impact of cancelled appointments and rebooking, increased IT support, the need for additional cybersecurity experts, patient disruption, and the costs associated with data and system recovery. Fortunately, the early discovery of a so-called kill-switch<\/strong> halted WannaCry\u2019s capability to lock devices, significantly reducing the malware\u2019s impact and preventing even greater disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Prevention through software maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The attack could, however, have been prevented with well-maintained software<\/strong>. And while the solution sounds easy, implementing it isn\u2019t. Workarounds and customizations make migration projects complex \u2014 especially when legacy IT solutions are involved. In large hospitals, the sheer number of computers and variety of systems and devices ensures that any migration project will be time-consuming, requiring careful planning to minimize disruption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vulnerability exploited by WannaCry was known, and patches had been released for it before the outbreak. Yet, the ransomware succeeded in infecting thousands of systems either because these patches hadn\u2019t been deployed or because computers were running unsupported end-of-life<\/strong> software. Windows XP, for example, was running on an estimated 5% of the world\u2019s computers [1]<\/a> <\/mark>at the time of the attack, even though extended support ended some three years earlier. Windows 7, which was supported software at the time, accounted for 98% [1]<\/mark><\/a> of WannaCry infections \u2014 primarily because patches hadn\u2019t been deployed. The impact of the attack was so severe and widespread that Microsoft issued a security patch for Windows XP \u2014 a rare move for the tech giant.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Evolving role of IT in healthcare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since the WannaCry attack, the role of IT in healthcare institutions has undergone significant evolution. Today, hospital boards view cybersecurity as mission-critical<\/strong>, which is reflected in the spending on information security projects. There is a greater understanding of the time and resources that organizations, especially large ones, need to invest in upgrading. Tech companies like Microsoft now offer extended support programs to provide more time to complete migrations, although these licenses can become increasingly expensive.   <\/p>\n\n\n

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Why does software go EOL?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The short answer: constant evolution<\/strong>. Software needs to keep pace with hardware developments such as smarter processors, more efficient chipsets, and security-aware architectures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably noticed the difference when you get a new computer \u2014 everything feels faster. That\u2019s partly because operating systems evolve to take full advantage of new hardware features like energy efficiency, compact architectures, and enhanced image processing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the highly regulated medtech industry, standards are constantly changing, leaving software vulnerable to non-compliance. At the same time, the growing complexity of cyberattacks means software needs to be patched regularly, and updating systems in this way eventually becomes ineffective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And finally, from a software development perspective, there\u2019s a simple but critical point: users expect innovation<\/strong>. As a software supplier, Perimed aims to deliver new features and workflows that align with new technologies and the evolving expectations of our users.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Running Windows 11 with your Perimed instrument<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We have thoroughly verified our supported software releases to ensure they are fully compatible with Windows 11<\/strong>, so your Perimed instrument won\u2019t hinder migration to the new version of the operating system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an ideal world, your organization has already migrated to Windows 11, is in the process of doing so, or has purchased an extended support program from Microsoft. All new PeriFlux 6000 systems ordered with a computer now come pre-installed with Windows 11, ensuring compatibility, security, and access to the latest features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For new PeriFlux 6000 systems, we have opted for Microsoft Windows 11 IoT Ent LTSC 2024 <\/strong>(long-term servicing channel), because of its 10-year support lifecycle. Windows 11 IoT has been specifically designed to provide regulated industries, such as banking, manufacturing, and healthcare, with security, stability, and longevity. The version of Windows 11 IoT we are offering with new PeriFlux 6000 systems can be used throughout its lifetime, meaning the license can be transferred to a replacement computer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Microsoft requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft is rolling out the upgrade to Windows 11 for free via Windows Update for computers running Windows 10 that meet the minimum performance specifications \u2014 defined by Microsoft<\/mark><\/a>.<\/mark> If your computer doesn\u2019t meet the spec, you will probably need to purchase a new one. If you are updating from Windows 10 IoT to Windows 11 IoT, additional licensing fees may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a previous post, What\u2019s new in PeriFlux 6000<\/mark><\/a>, we talked about our latest features for PeriFlux 6000 systems, including a medical-grade computer. If you wish to purchase a new computer from us, you can get in touch with your local sales representative<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For PeriFlux 6000 [2]<\/a><\/mark> and PeriCam PSI systems, we have validated the following versions of our software with Windows 11:<\/p>\n\n\n\n