Sofia Spatola
Posted by Computer Solutions on June 23, 2025
If your clinic is still running Windows 10, here’s the bottom line: time is running out.
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. That means no more security updates, no more patches, and no more help when things go wrong.
But here’s what really matters for busy veterinary teams: waiting to upgrade isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a business risk.
“We’ll Deal With It Later” Is a Costly Mistake
We understand—replacing multiple computers isn’t exactly exciting, and it’s easy to push it off for another quarter. But putting off this upgrade can quietly chip away at your bottom line.
Here’s what delay is really costing your veterinary practice:
1. You’re Losing Your Safety Net
Without Microsoft’s ongoing updates, your systems will become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers actively target outdated operating systems because they know the back doors are wide open.
Veterinary practices are especially vulnerable—client records, payment details, even your Cornerstone or Impromed data could be at risk.
Just one data breach can be devastating—financially and reputationally.
2. Software and Hardware May Stop Playing Nice
From payment systems to imaging software and prescription label printers, many of the tools you rely on every day may stop supporting Windows 10. That means crashes, glitches, and interruptions when you least expect them.
Worse still, some newer devices—scanners, x-ray hardware, even your security cameras—might not work with outdated systems.
3. Outdated Systems Kill Productivity
Veterinary teams don’t have time for frozen screens and constant rebooting.
Even a 10-minute daily delay per team member adds up fast. Multiply that across your front desk, techs, and doctors, and you’re looking at hours of lost productivity every week—not to mention growing staff frustration.
4. Emergency Upgrades Mean Emergency Budgets
Waiting until your systems crash forces you into “panic mode” where everything costs more:
- Rush shipping on equipment
- Premium rates for urgent IT labor
- Downtime while replacements are scrambled together
Planning ahead avoids those costly fire drills.
5. Compliance Risks Could Bite Back
If your clinic processes payments or handles patient data (which you do), using unsupported systems could violate state compliance standards. Come October, Windows 10 won’t meet those security requirements—leaving you exposed to fines or legal issues.
What Smart Veterinary Clinics Are Doing Right Now
Forward-thinking practices are using this moment to:
- Identify which devices can be upgraded—and which should be retired
- Modernize their software stack for speed and efficiency
- Tighten cybersecurity across their network
- Build a smart IT budget for the second half of 2025
How to Make the Transition Smooth
Here’s how we help veterinary clinics like yours prepare—without disrupting patient care:
Run a compatibility check – Not all your machines may support Windows 11. We’ll identify what can stay and what needs replacing.
Review your software – We’ll make sure your critical apps (like Cornerstone, AviMark, or your imaging software) are ready for the new environment.
Create a hardware roadmap – Plan purchases before supply chain delays and end-of-year rushes set in.
Handle the upgrade from start to finish – We’ll manage the entire process with zero downtime for your staff or patients.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Delaying this upgrade may seem harmless now—but come October, it could cause real disruptions.
Let’s take the stress off your plate. Book a free Network Assessment today, and we’ll help you:
- Prioritize which devices need attention
- Plan a seamless Windows 11 rollout
- Protect your clinic from security, compliance, and downtime risks
Your patients can’t afford downtime. Neither can your systems.
Want to learn more about veterinary IT and cybersecurity? Check out last week’s blog post here!
