More than 60,000 devices have been successfully upgraded to Windows 11 by the Arden & GEM IT service, helping to futureproof NHS digital infrastructure.
The Arden & GEM IT service has delivered a two-year programme to fully upgrade organisational devices to Windows 11 for clients in Derbyshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Waveney, and Northamptonshire. The upgrade brings better security, faster performance and an improved user experience for healthcare commissioners and providers.
Maintaining secure systems
With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, there was a risk that devices remaining on older versions could become vulnerable to security threats. National guidance, including from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), encouraged all users and organisations to migrate to Windows 11 to strengthen the protection of sensitive information and maintain safe digital services for patients and staff.
Delivering the upgrade
With thousands of NHS users affected, the upgrade needed to be completed with as little disruption as possible to both clinical and administrative services. This was achieved by carrying out the majority of upgrades through remote deployment, meaning installations could be downloaded and applied in the background while staff continued to work. When ready, users were prompted to restart their device at a convenient time, with the new operating system available immediately alongside all existing files, applications and NHS systems.
This seamless process was made possible by the robust engagement and preparation which had taken place in advance, including:
- Liaising with both ICBs and GP practices to explain the process and report on progress
- Undertaking extensive user acceptance testing
- Checking that third-party software and hardware weren’t affected by the transition
- Putting engineers on standby to resolve any unexpected issues
- Creating and sharing guidance highlighting the key user interface differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11.
“Enabling our clients and users to benefit from the increased security and performance delivered by Windows 11 was business-critical. However, successfully implementing updates in a complex digital environment meant effective teamwork was key. We put plans and processes in place that enabled teams within the CSU to maintain project focus and support each other.”
Gary Turvey, Project Manager at Arden & GEM
For the 500 GP sites supported, a standardised automated deployment was used. This removed the need for manual intervention by creating a generic Windows 11 build, saving staff time and improving system consistency.
“Our experience with the GPIT Windows 11 deployment programme was very positive. The project was delivered with clear communication, effective collaboration and a strong focus on supporting practices throughout the upgrade. The approach taken helped ensure a smooth transition across the estate and demonstrated a solid commitment to service quality."
Adrian Thake, Digital Technical Programme and Cyber Assurance Manager at NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB
The programme also upgraded over 1,000 internal devices within Arden & GEM itself. The overall result was a smooth rollout that has enabled NHS organisations within five health and care systems to take a significant step forward in digital transformation and futureproofing their infrastructure.
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