The short answer: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Those PCs no longer get regular security updates. For Windows 10 in GP practices, the sensible path is to list every PC first. Then upgrade the ones that meet Windows 11’s requirements and replace the rest. Plan the work around clinics, and check practice software with your vendor first.
This guide is for practice managers, GP partners and dental principals in Meath, Cavan, Westmeath, Louth and Dublin. It covers the risk, the upgrade-or-replace check, software compatibility, staged replacement and how managed support helps.
What Windows 10 end of support means
Microsoft’s Windows 10 lifecycle page confirms that support ended on 14 October 2025. Since then, Microsoft no longer provides technical support, feature updates or quality updates, including security fixes. Of course, the PCs still switch on and work. However, every new weakness found since then stays open. That’s the core problem with Windows 10 in GP practices today.
Microsoft does offer a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme for organisations. It runs for a maximum of three years after end of support. PCs must also be on Windows 10 version 22H2. It’s priced per device, by year, and the price rises each year. Also, ESU is cumulative, so joining in year two means paying for year one as well. For most practices, ESU is a short bridge while you replace PCs, not a long-term plan.
Windows 10 in GP practices: the patient data and GDPR risk
After all, practice PCs hold or open some of the most sensitive data there is. The Irish College of GPs’ IT security guidance for general practice is direct on this. It says it’s “vital that the practice is not running any old operating systems” that no longer get updates.
Data protection law points the same way. The Data Protection Commission’s data security guidance describes software patches as “an important tool in preventing hacking or malware attacks”. So leaving Windows 10 in GP practices without updates makes it harder to show appropriate security measures. Your own advisers can confirm what that means for your practice.
Which PCs can move to Windows 11?
First, start with a list. The ICGP guidance suggests noting the age and operating system of every computer, along with warranty and renewal dates. Include reception PCs, consulting room PCs, laptops and any PC attached to imaging or other equipment. That list is the foundation for dealing with Windows 10 in GP practices.
Next, check each one against Microsoft’s Windows 11 specifications. These include a compatible processor, Secure Boot and TPM version 2.0. Typically, newer PCs pass and can upgrade in place. Older PCs often fail on the processor or TPM, and those need replacing rather than forcing an upgrade.
Check practice software compatibility with your vendor
Before upgrading anything, ask your practice management software vendor which Windows versions they support. Ask the same of any imaging, dictation or lab software. Then get the answer in writing, including any minimum versions or settings they need.
Equally, check peripherals such as card readers, scanners, label printers and signature pads. Older devices sometimes lack drivers for newer systems, which can stall a move away from Windows 10 in GP practices. As a result, a quick test on one upgraded PC usually shows any problems before they affect a whole clinic.
Replacing Windows 10 in GP practices around clinics
A staged plan keeps disruption low. Rather than changing every PC at once, work room by room or desk by desk. In practice, that often means:
- Upgrading or replacing one PC first as a pilot, then checking it in a real clinic.
- Scheduling changes for quieter sessions, lunchtimes or after evening surgery.
- Preparing new PCs in advance, so each swap takes as little time as possible.
- Keeping a spare ready in case a swap runs late.
- Wiping or destroying old drives securely before disposal.
On that last point, retiring Windows 10 in GP practices also means retiring old drives safely. The ICGP guidance says to remove and destroy old hard drives, or use a reputable organisation. It also suggests asking for a certificate of destruction.
Hypothetical example
A four-doctor practice in Kells has eleven PCs. Six meet the Windows 11 requirements, while five are too old. After the software vendor confirms support, the practice upgrades the six over two lunchtimes. Next, it replaces the other five across three weeks, one consulting room at a time.
How managed IT support helps with Windows 10 in GP practices
A managed IT provider can build the PC list, run the compatibility checks and liaise with software vendors. It can also prepare replacement PCs and schedule the work around clinics. Afterwards, ongoing monitoring and patching keep Windows 11 PCs up to date, which is the real point of the exercise. In short, retiring Windows 10 in GP practices is a project, but keeping PCs current is an ongoing job.
Reviewing the network too? Our guide to guest Wi-Fi for clinics covers keeping patient devices away from practice PCs. For what support costs, see our guide to IT costs for medical practices.
How Sweeney Computer Services can help
Oliver Sweeney founded the company in 1985. Today, we support more than 50 businesses and more than 10 schools from Hurdlestown, Kells, Co. Meath. We work alongside your practice software vendors. In addition, our team can plan and carry out the move off Windows 10 with you. Hardware comes separately, through our hardware procurement service.
That way, Windows 10 in GP practices becomes a planned change rather than a scramble. For new clients, managed packages start from €49 (Silver), €69 (Gold) and €89 (Diamond) per user per month, excluding VAT. Microsoft 365 licences are billed separately. Read more about our IT support for GP and dental practices and our managed IT support.
A quick sense-check
Still running Windows 10 in your practice?
Book a short call with Michael Sweeney to plan your upgrade around clinics.
