Updating operating systems and applications

Keeping your systems and software up to date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect patient information. Using the most current software reduces the likelihood that cybercriminals will exploit vulnerabilities in your computer system.

Support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025

Microsoft will stop providing technical assistance, feature updates, and security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As a result, your system may become vulnerable to cyberattacks, malware, and data breaches. Learn more about this update.

Continuing to use Windows 10 after October 14 may also mean your system does not comply with federal and provincial health information regulations, potentially resulting in legal and financial penalties. Visit the Getting ready for the Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade page to learn more about upgrading your system to Windows 11.

Microsoft has also announced that while free support and updates for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025, users now have an option to keep receiving critical security updates for one more year. Learn more about the extended deadline.

For more information on this or safe electronic recycling or bulk purchasing offers, please contact DTO at DTOinfo@doctorsofbc.ca.
 

Automatic updates

Enabling automatic updates is the easiest way to keep your operating systems and applications up to date. Automatic updates are enabled by default for most programs. If you do not receive update notifications, check your program’s settings, and enable them. Contact DTO if you need help finding the settings.

Windows

Windows 7 support ended on January 14th, 2020.

Both Windows 10 and 11 are currently supported operating systems that are appropriate for clinic use. Clinics using Windows 7 or 8 should upgrade immediately to a professional or enterprise version of Windows 10 or 11.

macOS

Apple typically provides security and stabilization updates for the most recent three operating system releases. Using a supported macOS is also important to ensure software and applications run properly on your Mac. After eight to 10 years, your Mac is likely no longer compatible with these supported operating systems, and you should consider upgrading your device. Information on how to keep your Mac up to date can be found on Apple’s website.

Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

Web browsers update frequently, often indicated by a notification along the taskbar. These updates often take a few minutes or less and allow you to conveniently relaunch your web-based work when done. DTO recommends completing browser updates as soon as they become available.

Updating operating systems

How do I check which operating system I have?

How can I easily keep my OS up to date?

Enabling automatic updates is the easiest way to be notified of updates as they become available. Checking for updates manually is straightforward on both Windows and Mac machines. 

Small and frequent updates to fix security or performance issues are common for operating systems and will generally not change the look and feel of your machine.

Substantial upgrades (e.g. upgrading from Windows 7 to 10, or from macOS Catalina to Monterey) may change the look and feel of your machine. There may be special considerations to help ensure the transition goes smoothly. DTO recommends completing these upgrades with the support of an IT professional to minimize clinic disruption.

Upgrading other clinic applications

The need to upgrade a clinic application depends on whether it is cloud-based or locally installed.

Cloud-based applications do not require you to update them. Updates are managed by the company providing the service. Examples include web-based email and many Voice over IP (VoIP) services.

Locally installed applications require you to keep the application updated on your machine, much like your operating system. Examples may include Zoom, dictation software or accounting programs.

Upgrading your PC to Windows 10 or 11

Backups
  • Ensure all your data is backed up before upgrading PCs.
  • Have a contingency plan in case you need to halt the upgrade and continue using the old operating system temporarily.
Hardware
  • Ensure your PC hardware meets or exceeds the recommended specifications.
  • Identify any new hardware that may be needed ahead of the transition (e.g. printers, workstations).
Performance
  • Consider the time and bandwidth needed for the initial upgrade of your PCs, and plan to upgrade outside of business hours.
  • Upgrade using a hard-wired connection where possible. Upgrades over wireless are much slower.
  • Disable or remove any unnecessary software added automatically from the Windows 10 upgrade (e.g. free trial software, browser add-ons, Microsoft OneDrive).
  • Disable any unnecessary operating system features that became enabled during the upgrade.
Privacy and Security
  • Check settings that share your personal data with other resources and limit to appropriate resources only.
  • Review all settings of new features introduced in Windows 10 to ensure they meet the privacy expectations of your practice.
  • Ensure your operating system and anti-virus are scheduled to update regularly.
Software
  • Choose the appropriate version of Windows 10. It should be Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise for business use to support clinic security and privacy requirements.
  • Review any business-critical software requirements, including your EMR, to ensure compatibility with Windows 10.
  • Identify any software or software updates that are needed ahead of the transition, such as new drivers.
Training
  • Test out Windows 10 ahead of time on a single workstation to understand the impact of changes on business-critical software and processes.
  • Plan training for staff if required to adapt to visual and process changes in the new operating system or related software.