The migration to Windows 11 is a significant evolution in any organisation, but for the NHS, it has transformational potential.
Fully functioning, interoperable technology could contribute to improved patient care, access, and experience, and increase the productivity of healthcare staff.
The migration to Windows 11 is a significant evolution in any organisation, but for the NHS, it has transformational potential
Against the backdrop of a healthcare funding squeeze and workforce shortage, measures that save time or money while improving patient care and security should take priority.
However, some have expressed concern that the NHS could be hit by issues because organisations are not prepared to migrate to Windows 11.
The rocky road to Windows 11
The countdown to October 14, 2025, the Windows 10 end-of-life date, has begun. Microsoft continues to advocate for an urgent transition, and NHS England has advised all NHS organisations to complete the migration ahead of the deadline.
However, current progress suggests that many won’t make it in time.
One of the biggest challenges for NHS IT teams lies in the simple fact that ‘they don’t know what they don’t know.’ Planning for a migration of this scale involves meticulous preparation to sidestep service disruptions and ensure ongoing continuity of care.
Unfortunately, many underestimate the size and complexity of their migration.
The countdown to October 14, 2025, the Windows 10 end-of-life date, has begun
Successful transition isn’t just about ‘getting the job done.’ It must prioritise cost efficiency, minimise disruption, deliver effective staff training, and maintain a strong commitment to security and compliance.
Without a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to get a migration right, IT teams will struggle to allocate time, resources, and budgets effectively.
The experience of the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust serves as a helpful example of how to approach this challenge.
Its IT team, on track to migrate ahead of the deadline, built a “tolerance for delays” into their timeline. By anticipating setbacks – from staff absences to unexpected testing of a pharmacy application – the team avoided small delays from becoming migration crises.
Another complicating factor that NHS IT teams face is the mixed legacy hardware they must manage
Another complicating factor that NHS IT teams face is the mixed legacy hardware they must manage.
Many NHS devices, especially those distributed during COVID-19, may not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11.
Teams must accurately assess which devices can support the new operating system, which could still perform but with a limited user experience, and which need replacing entirely.
The third roadblock will be familiar to all NHS Trusts – cost. Upgrading to Windows 11 can seem like a daunting financial prospect, especially with the capital constraints typical of NHS budgets.
The price of missing the deadline
Choosing to stay on Windows 10 beyond its October 2025 deadline is a costly decision.
Extended support fees could climb to £364 per device annually after 2028, and maintaining legacy systems often requires expensive warranties, support contracts, and troubleshooting resources.
These costs quickly add up, draining budgets that could otherwise be invested in innovative healthcare initiatives.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust estimated that ignoring the migration deadline would have cost them up to £ 300,000 in Windows 10 extended support fees in the first year alone.
Choosing to stay on Windows 10 beyond its October 2025 deadline is a costly decision
That’s without considering the rise in IT management costs to support multiple operating systems and supporting legacy devices.
The team recognised that with the right planning, they could avoid such a large, unnecessary hit to the public purse.
The costs don’t stop at the financial level. Critical applications may become unreliable on an unsupported operating system, cascading inefficiencies across departments.
Operational disruptions could also put extraordinary pressure on IT helpdesks as they scramble to manage increased support tickets.
The need for compliance with NHS Cyber Standards and the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) makes upgrading a non-negotiable
The stakes are even higher when considering security risks. Unsupported systems are magnets for malware, ransomware, and hacking attempts.
The absence of essential updates means leaving patient data and medical histories vulnerable to breaches.
The need for compliance with NHS Cyber Standards and the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) makes upgrading a non-negotiable.
Steps to a successful migration
Although the road ahead may appear daunting, NHS Trusts can achieve a smooth migration to Windows 11 with thorough preparation and smart strategies.
Here are five critical steps to success:
1. Assess current infrastructure
Start by conducting a detailed inventory of all devices, applications, and workflows to identify which systems can support Windows 11 and which you will need to upgrade or replace.
Identify any gaps in budget, knowledge or skills. Consult with key stakeholders, including clinical staff, to ensure that all operational workflows and requirements are considered.
2. Develop a roadmap
Breaking a large migration into smaller, manageable steps is the best way to avoid disruptions. Begin with pilot testing in noncritical areas, identifying and resolving any challenges before scaling the deployment across the Trust.
Your road map should include detailed timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust planned their deployment site by site, mapping out the number of devices and the resources they needed down to the day.
Being so methodical meant that they could set their own pace and still hit their targets.
3. Invest in the right technology
Refresh with productivity-enhancing devices designed for compatibility and integration with Windows OS, the Microsoft 365 software suite, and Microsoft InTune.
Many technology vendors provide preconfigured devices with NHS-specific imaging, ensuring seamless integration with existing workflows.
Zero-Touch deployment solutions automate device setup and reduce manual work, significantly accelerating the rollout process.
When selecting new hardware, prioritise durability, scalability and ROI over short-term fixes. Devices with advanced security features, such as TPM 2.0, meet CAF compliance standards while safeguarding patient data against emerging threats.
4. Access support and training
Your workforce’s success with Windows 11 depends on their understanding of how to use it to its full potential. Proactively train IT teams, clinicians, and administrators to optimise adoption.
Take advantage of fee-waived accelerator workshops or Windows 11 Proof of Concept (POC) trials to give IT teams the confidence to perform a successful migration.
5. Explore funding solutions
Consider any funding and procurement options that may be available to your NHS Trust. PC-as-a-Service (PCaaS) and deferral programs can help to reduce upfront capital expenditure.
Flexible financing options may help NHS Trusts to transition at their own pace, and lifecycle management services, including device trade-in programmes, can optimise cost efficiency.
The time to act is now
For NHS Trusts looking to safeguard their operations, reduce costs, and optimise care, now is the time to begin migration to Windows 11.
A report by the British Medical Association highlighted how outdated IT systems cost England’s healthcare sector an estimated 13.5 million working hours annually.
Without action, these inefficiencies will only escalate after Windows 10 reaches its end of life.
Consider any funding and procurement options that may be available to your NHS Trust
Combined with the cost and security implications, those Trusts that don’t observe the deadline risk putting even greater pressure on limited resources.
Migrating to Windows 11 is a vital step in reinforcing the NHS’s technological backbone, enabling better care delivery while positioning Trusts for a sustainable digital future.
By acting today, your Trust can meet its challenges, safeguard resources, and deliver the high-quality care that patients deserve.