⏳ Windows 10 Is Ending — What Small Health Care Organizations Need to Know (and Do)

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10.

No more patches.
No more security updates.
No more compliance.

For small health care organizations, this isn't just a routine IT event — it’s a compliance deadline and a cybersecurity risk you can’t afford to ignore.

⚠️ Why This Matters for Health Care

After October 2025, any system still running Windows 10 will be unsupported and unpatchable. That alone introduces significant vulnerabilities — but in health care, it goes even further.

HIPAA's Security Rule requires organizations to implement both technical safeguards and proper risk management. Specifically:

• 45 CFR §164.312 – Requires protections against unauthorized access to ePHI

• 45 CFR §164.308(a)(5)(ii)(B) – Requires procedures for guarding against malicious software

  Source: eCFR.gov

As noted in the HIPAA Journal, failure to patch known vulnerabilities — or using software that can no longer be patched — has already led to OCR sanctions and fines.

This means running Windows 10 beyond its EOL date can result in:

• HIPAA violations

• Increased cyber risk

• Costly downtime and audits

💻 Why Most Older Devices Won’t Support Windows 11 — And Why That’s Not All Bad

If your computers were purchased before 2019, they likely won’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, including:

• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)

• UEFI with Secure Boot

• 8th Gen Intel or newer CPUs

• Specific instruction sets for virtualization-based security

🛡️ These requirements aren’t just arbitrary — they represent a shift toward hardware-enforced security. For example:

• TPM 2.0 is required for a secure, hardware-backed BitLocker implementation

• Modern CPUs enable better memory protection and virtualization-based isolation

• Older systems often lack Intel vPro or AMD PRO features for secure remote management

If your systems aren't running BitLocker, we can help you enable it securely — and guide you through licensing requirements.
🔗 See our Microsoft Licensing page

🧨 The Risk of Forcing Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware

There’s a lot of guidance out there about bypassing Microsoft's checks to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. While tempting, it’s not a safe strategy — especially in clinical environments.

Unsupported installs may:

• Miss critical updates

• Crash due to missing CPU instruction sets

• Cause bluescreens, failed updates, or boot loops

• Leave you vulnerable to security gaps Microsoft can’t or won’t patch

⚠️ If this is your organization's plan — you're headed down the wrong junction. But don’t worry — you still have time to get back on track!

Downtime in health care isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a patient safety issue. Don’t risk it with unsupported hardware.

✅ The Smart Alternative: Pre-Owned, Warrantied, Windows 11-Ready Devices

At visuaFUSION, we specialize in helping small health care organizations upgrade their hardware affordably and compliantly.

We offer a wide range of professionally refurbished, Windows 11-compatible devices — including:

• Laptops

• Desktops

• Tablet PCs

Each unit is:

• Thoroughly tested for reliability and compliance

• Configured to support BitLocker and other security features

• Covered by a 1-year warranty

• Priced well below new hardware

We also work with trusted suppliers to secure inventory before demand surges — and it will surge. As the EOL deadline approaches, prices will rise and stock will tighten across the board.

🩺 Our Mission: Helping Small Health Care Orgs Navigate IT with Confidence

We know the constraints small health care orgs face — limited budgets, limited time, but unlimited responsibility when it comes to protecting patient data and avoiding costly penalties.

Whether you're upgrading three devices or thirty, we’re here to:

• Evaluate your current hardware

• Recommend secure, compliant replacements

• Help you implement security features like BitLocker

• Make Microsoft licensing simple and understandable

📅 What You Should Do Now

Here’s how to get ahead of this deadline — without the stress:

✅ Audit your current PCs for Windows 11 compatibility
✅ Make a timeline for hardware refreshes
✅ Contact visuaFUSION for secure, affordable devices
✅ Don’t wait until Q3 2025 when demand spikes

👉 Let’s plan your transition early — on your terms.
Book a meeting to get started.