Windows 10 End of Support: What Dental Practices Need to Know Now

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10. If your dental practice is still running Windows 10, you need to make critical decisions now about your technology infrastructure, HIPAA compliance, and patient data security. NOVA Computer Solutions has been helping dental practices navigate this transition. This article explains what Windows 10 end of support means for your practice and outlines your options.

What Does “End of Support” Mean?

Windows 10 end of support means Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, technical support, or bug fixes.

For dental practices, this creates serious risks:

• HIPAA Compliance Violations – Running unsupported software with patient data may violate HIPAA requirements
• Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities – Unpatched systems are prime targets for ransomware and data breaches
• Insurance Issues – Cyber liability insurance may not cover breaches on unsupported systems
• Software Compatibility – Some dental software vendors may stop supporting Windows 10

Check your Windows version now: Go to Settings > System > About. If you see “Windows 10,” take action immediately.

Your Three Options as a Dental Practice

Option 1: Purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates for Windows 10, providing critical security patches for up to three years (until October 2028).

Pricing:

• Year 1: $60-80 per device
• Year 2: $120-140 per device
• Year 3: $240-260 per device

Pros: Maintains security, buys time for planned upgrades, preserves dental imaging compatibility

Cons: Increasingly expensive, temporary solution, doesn’t address aging hardware

Best For: Practices with newer computers (3-5 years old) that need time due to budget constraints or dental software compatibility concerns

Option 2: Replace PCs and Upgrade to Windows 11

Purchase new computers with Windows 11 pre-installed and migrate your dental practice data.

Investment:

• Basic dental workstation: $800-$1,200
• Advanced workstation (imaging): $1,200-$2,400
• Migration services: $200-$500 per computer

Pros: Modern secure OS, better performance, new warranty, long-term solution (5-7 years)

Cons: Upfront investment, potential dental software compatibility issues, staff training needed

Best For: Practices with computers older than 5 years or ready to modernize their dental IT infrastructure

Option 3: Stay on Windows 10 Without Updates (Non-Compliant)

Continue using Windows 10 without security updates or support.

Critical Risks:

• HIPAA compliance violations with patient data
• Severe security vulnerabilities – exponentially increasing breach risk
• Cyber insurance may not cover incidents on unsupported systems
• Dental software vendors will stop support for Windows 10
• Professional liability exposure if a breach occurs

Best For: This option is not recommended for any dental practice handling patient data. The risks far outweigh any short-term cost savings.

Making the Right Decision for Your Practice

Immediate Action Steps:

1. Inventory Your Systems (This Week)

• Identify all Windows 10 computers
• Determine hardware age
• List critical dental software
• Note imaging equipment connections

2. Assess Your Dental Imaging (Within 2 Weeks)

• Check X-ray system manufacturer/model
• Verify Windows 11 driver availability
• Contact imaging software vendor about compatibility

3. Evaluate Options (Within 30 Days)

• Calculate ESU costs
• Get hardware replacement quotes
• Consider budget and timeline

Timeline Recommendations

If Choosing ESU:

• Immediately: Deploy ESU licenses
• Within 30 days: Develop 1-3 year replacement plan

If Choosing Hardware Replacement:

• Immediately: Schedule technology assessment
• Within 60-90 days: Begin phased replacement
• Within 120 days: Complete migration

Recommended Hybrid Approach:

• Phase 1: Purchase ESU for all systems
• Phase 2: Replace oldest/critical systems first
• Phase 3: Replace remaining computers over 6-12 months

How NOVA Computer Solutions Can Help

As the #1 rated provider of dental IT services, NOVA offers comprehensive Windows 11 transition support:

Extended Security Updates Management

• Purchase and deploy ESU licenses
• Ensure continuous protection
• Monitor security updates

Hardware Assessment and Replacement

• Free technology assessment
• Recommendations for dental software needs
• Competitive pricing on dental workstations
• Hardware as a Service (HAAS) options

Professional Migration Services

• Complete data backup
• Windows 11 installation and configuration
• Dental software migration and testing
• Imaging system configuration
• On-site support during transition
• Staff training

Dental Imaging System Expertise

• Compatibility testing for X-ray and imaging equipment
• Driver installation and configuration
• Settings optimization for Windows 11
• Workarounds for legacy equipment
• Vendor coordination
• On-site troubleshooting

Ongoing Managed IT Services

• 24/7 monitoring and proactive maintenance
• HIPAA compliance support
• Help desk for dental staff
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Cybersecurity protection

Don’t Risk Your Practice’s Security and Compliance

Continuing on unsupported Windows 10 exposes your dental practice to ransomware, data breaches, HIPAA violations, insurance issues, and reputation damage.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. NOVA Computer Solutions has successfully helped hundreds of dental practices through technology transitions with expertise in dental-specific software, imaging systems, and HIPAA compliance.

Get Expert Help from NOVA Computer Solutions

Free Windows 10 Assessment for Dental Practices

NOVA is offering complimentary technology assessments for dental practices still running Windows 10:

✓ System inventory
✓ Dental imaging compatibility assessment
✓ ESU pricing for your practice
✓ Hardware replacement recommendations
✓ Customized migration plan

Call (703) 499-8760 now to book your free Windows 10 assessment. Don’t wait—every day on unsupported Windows 10 increases your risk.