As the financial services sector navigates the winding path toward the end of support for Windows 10, ATM operators are confronted with a significant challenge: the transition to Windows 11. While the notion of upgrading might seem straightforward, the intricacies involved present a far more complex scenario that could disrupt operations.
The fragmented Windows 10 landscape
Currently, many ATMs in operation utilize various versions of Windows 10 IoT LTSC. However, not all iterations of Windows 10 are equal. The age of the ATM, the manufacturer, and the specific application stack can result in a fleet comprising multiple versions:
- Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2015 (1507)
- Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2016 (1607)
- Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2019 (1809)
- Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2021 (21H2)
Each version possesses its own support lifecycle, hardware compatibility, and upgrade trajectory. This variation complicates operational planning, testing, and execution, particularly when striving to uphold customer service standards, fleet availability, and industry compliance across a diverse array of machines. The most pressing concern lies with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC/LTSB 2015, which reached its end of support on October 14, 2025, leaving it without critical security updates from Microsoft.
Vendor readiness?
The readiness of ATM manufacturers and software vendors for Windows 11 varies significantly, adding another layer of complexity to the upgrade process. For instance:
- Diebold Nixdorf has publicly announced its support for Windows 11 on its DN Series ATMs, providing a comprehensive overview of the transition process on their website.
- Hyosung has also revealed its support plans for Windows 11, emphasizing that this transition is more than just a simple operating system upgrade.
- NCR Atleos, on the other hand, has not yet disclosed any public information regarding its Windows 11 support, likely communicating its strategy directly to its customers.
This inconsistency necessitates that each ATM deployer meticulously assess their fleet’s status to determine the feasibility, timing, and costs associated with the upgrade.
The importance of testing
Without adequate planning, preparation, and testing resources, the migration to Windows 11 could devolve into a logistical challenge. Organizations relying on manual testing processes will find it increasingly difficult to manage changes and validate results across the myriad combinations of ATM hardware and software applications. Such an approach is often slow, prone to errors, and resource-intensive.
Virtualization and automation make a difference
Employing a robust testing solution allows organizations to harness the power of virtualization and automation technologies to:
- Virtualize and test multiple operating system versions concurrently, including various editions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 LTSC.
- Automate regression testing to swiftly identify issues before they escalate into customer service challenges.
- Copy, clone, and configure virtual ATM images to replicate real-world scenarios, including fault conditions and other negative testing situations, all without risking valuable hardware.
- Conduct tests around the clock from any location, thereby maximizing efficiency, expediting project timelines, and reducing costs.
- Integrate with CI/CD pipelines for continuous testing and deployment.
Better testing: Better results
The transition to Windows 11 is an unavoidable reality that requires meticulous planning and preparation. However, it need not become an overwhelming endeavor. By acknowledging the complexities of the current industry landscape, formulating a strategic response, and utilizing advanced tools like VirtualATM, organizations can convert a potentially risky and costly upgrade into a competitive advantage. Companies that have already embraced modern testing tools and technologies will find themselves at a significant advantage compared to those that have not. If your ATM operations still depend largely on manual testing, it is time to explore the benefits that ATM virtualization and automation can offer. Enhanced execution speed, broader test coverage, improved quality, and greater control and collaboration, along with remote access to testing environments, will empower your teams to navigate the migration to Windows 11 successfully and enhance the overall efficiency of ATM testing operations.
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Paragon Application Systems
Paragon ATM simulation tools provide the features, functions, and flexible automation options necessary to conduct more tests in less time, thereby improving quality, shortening delivery cycles, reducing costs, fostering collaboration, and increasing channel profitability.
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