Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 and Server 2008 in January 2020, since this date Microsoft has not provided security updates or support for any PCs running this version of the software, which means that if you are logging into EXACT using a Windows 7 or Server 2008 computer, your sensitive patient data may not be secure.

To ensure that your PC continues to receive updates and is able to run securely without the risk of a data breach by a third party and to ensure you are able to run the latest version of EXACT, it is now critical that you upgrade hardware (servers and workstations).

EXACT no longer supports Windows 7 or Server 2008 as Microsoft is not able to support our programming framework, and so for all future releases including upcoming regulatory changes then you will need to be running our software on a supported operating system such as Windows 10.

• You can download and run the Windows 10 upgrade by clicking on the following Microsoft link https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/b/windows?activetab=tab:shopwindows10&rtc=1
• You may not need to change your hardware. Seek advice from your IT hardware support for this.
• A full backup of any data must be done before your Windows 10 operating system update.
• For any queries about updating your operating system, please contact your hardware support for advice and guidance.
• It is our understanding that the regional regulatory authorities require practices to use supported operating systems only. However, the decision to comply with this guidance lies with the business owner.
• More information on the upgrade process and the risks of continuing to use Windows 7 can be found at https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-7-end-of-life-support-information

If you are using Windows 7 or Server 2008, please do regular backups to ensure minimal data loss until you are able to upgrade your operating system to Windows 10.  Remember to run the latest versions of EXACT you must update your operating system immediately.

If you have any questions then please do contact the Support Team.

FAQs

When did Microsoft stop supporting Windows 7/Server 2008?

Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 and Server 2008 in January 2020, following an announcement to do so in 2018.  Details about this decision can be found here. https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-7-end-of-life-support-information

Why should I stop using Windows 7/Server 2008?

Windows 7 is now completely unsupported by Microsoft, and so there are no updates or security patches available.  This means that Windows 7 and Server 2008 are likely to be subject to security breaches so your sensitive patient data could be at risk from a third party.

What should I upgrade to?

You can download and run the Windows 10 upgrade by clicking on the following Microsoft link https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/store/b/windows?activetab=tab:shopwindows10&rtc=1

Do I need to change my hardware?

We recommend that you seek advice from your IT hardware support person or partner to see whether your hardware will support the upgraded operating system.

Do I need to back up my data before I upgrade my operating system?

A full backup of any data must be done before you update to a Windows 10 operating system to prevent any data loss.

Is this a mandatory requirement?

It is our understanding that the regional regulatory authorities require practices to use supported operating systems only.  However, the decision to comply with this guidance lies with the business owner.

Where can I find out more information?

More information on the upgrade process and the risks of continuing to use Windows 7 or Server 2008 can be found at https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-7-end-of-life-support-information

Will this impact my use of EXACT?

Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7 in its programming framework, which means all future versions, updates and changes including regulatory changes made to EXACT will not be available to Windows 7 or Server 2008 users.

Will I still be able to manage my NHS  work?

We are anticipating a number of regulatory changes in the next few months.  It is therefore critical that you are able to upgrade to the latest version of EXACT in order to continue using our software to manage your NHS contracts.  To run the latest version of EXACT which will include all the future regulatory changes including NHS fee updates, forms and more, then you must upgrade your operating system before 30th September 2022.

How does this affect my compliance with GDPR and my data protection measures?

Your data security is paramount and so continuing with Windows 7 or Server 2008 will also affect your organisation's legal compliance. It would be quite difficult to state that you can meet the security requirements of data protection legislation (GDPR) while continuing to rely on software which has known—and unknown—security flaws, with no prospect of those being fixed.