Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means no more security updates, and if your QS/1 server is still running Windows 10, it could put your pharmacy at risk for outages, vulnerabilities, and compliance issues.
We recommend upgrading your QS/1 server now to ensure continued security updates and avoid out-of-compliance fees. Get detailed instructions on how to plan for your upgrade here.
Note: This does not apply to POS or IVR PCs running Windows 10 LTSB/LTSC, which follow different support timelines.
There’s something special about long-term care pharmacy, and no one understands it better than the people doing the work every day. We’d love to hear your story and share it with the NextWave community in future editions or on our social media channels.
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The upcoming Windows 10 end-of-life is just one example of a bigger trend in the pharmacy industry. For many pharmacies, it can be difficult to keep up with tech updates without disrupting your day-to-day operations.
Any tech update, from server swaps to vendor rollouts to small OS changes, can ripple across your workflows: deliveries, billing, training, and more. But with a little bit of preparation, you can avoid disruptions.
Here are a few ways to stay ahead:
Start early: Know what’s changing, and when, so you’re not scrambling last minute.
Map your setup: Look at how software, hardware, and workflows connect so you can spot what needs adjusting.
Loop in facilities: If the update affects how you send meds or data, let your partners know ahead of time.
Update SOPs and training: Make sure your team knows what’s changing and how to handle it.
Lean on your vendors: Most offer guides or support for big transitions, so don’t hesitate to use them.
With the right plan in place, transitions don’t have to mean downtime or errors.
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