Why This Matters for Private Practice Owners
Security Vulnerabilities Specific to Medical IT Environments:
When Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, your devices will no longer receive critical security updates. For medical practices in Salt Lake City, this goes beyond inconvenience. It puts protected health information (PHI) at risk, opening the door to HIPAA violations, ransomware attacks, and compliance audits. If your practice still uses Windows 10, this isn't just an IT issue—it's a patient safety issue. As a local managed IT services provider, Qual IT specializes in protecting Salt Lake City's healthcare organizations against these very risks.
EMR & Software Compatibility Breakdown:
Whether you’re running NextGen, eClinicalWorks, or another EMR system, outdated operating systems are a silent threat. Many vendors will stop supporting integration with Windows 10 post-end-of-life. Our Salt Lake City-based IT support team can help assess whether your EMR will continue functioning properly—or whether it’s time to plan an upgrade.
Compliance Fatigue & Legal Exposure:
Salt Lake medical practices operate under intense scrutiny when it comes to compliance. From MACRA to HIPAA to state-level audits, using outdated tech adds another layer of risk. Most practice owners don’t realize that continuing on unsupported systems can be a breach of your Business Associate Agreements (BAAs). Our network services team can help ensure you’re not only compliant but also confident heading into your next inspection.
What Options Do Salt Lake City Practices Have?
Not all PCs running Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11, and many practices in Salt Lake still rely on legacy devices. Here’s what you can do:
- Upgrade to Windows 11 – But only after verifying compatibility with EMR software and hardware integrations like diagnostic imaging tools and network printers.
- Sign up for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) – Temporary, but may buy you a year of breathing room. (More below.)
- Replace Incompatible Machines – For many practices, this is more cost-effective in the long run, especially when bundled with managed IT services.
- Switch to Linux – Not commonly done in clinical settings, and often incompatible with medical software. We rarely recommend this path.
- Do Nothing – This is not an option. The risks are too high, both legally and operationally.
Pro Tip: Always back up your data before making any system changes. Qual IT provides HIPAA-compliant backup solutions to protect your patient data both onsite and in the cloud.
Should You Consider Extended Support for Windows 10?
Yes, but with a caveat.
Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates through October of next year. You can purchase ESU for about $30 or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Alternatively, you can enable Windows Backup and sync your system with OneDrive (limited free storage).
But this is a temporary patch, not a long-term solution. Think of it like keeping an expired drug sample in your supply closet: maybe useful in an emergency, but definitely not best practice.
Our IT consultants in Salt Lake City can help you register for ESU, but we’ll also help you build a timeline for full upgrades that minimize workflow disruption.
Navigating the Upgrade Without Interrupting Patient Care
This isn’t about clicking "update" and hoping for the best. For Salt Lake City medical practices, the stakes are high: downtime during upgrade means lost revenue, delayed care, and frustrated staff.
Qual IT offers:
- Full device audits to identify upgrade-ready machines
- Compatibility testing with EMRs and medical devices
- Onsite or remote upgrade scheduling after hours
- Support plans to train your staff and minimize post-upgrade confusion
The Bottom Line
If your Salt Lake City medical practice is still using Windows 10, now is the time to act. You need more than a generic IT company—you need a local healthcare-focused IT provider that understands the stakes, the regulations, and the emotional toll of constant compliance stress.
Qual IT is here to help you transition with confidence and without chaos.
Click here to book your FREE Network Assessment
Let’s make sure your systems are secure, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next.
