Windows 11 – How to Prepare Your Banking Infrastructure for the Transition

In the next few years, financial institutions will face large-scale changes in their self-service infrastructure. The development of ATM networks is influenced by several factors at the same time: Payment Card Industry (PCI) requirements, software and hardware platform updates, and the end of the life cycle of operating systems.

To maintain a high level of information security, reliability and availability of banking services, banks will have to systematically modernize both the software and the hardware platform of ATMs. One of the most relevant stages of this modernization is the transition to the new Windows 11 operating system.

Why you need to plan your transition now

On October 13, 2026, Microsoft ends support for the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 operating system, which is still widely used in ATMs. In the event of security incidents on self-service devices using an unsupported version of Windows, it will not be possible to provide full support, and there are risks from international payment systems due to non-compliance with PCI requirements.

ATM manufacturers have already determined the future direction of their software platforms, focusing on Windows 11 as the main next-generation operating system .

However, the transition to the new operating system is only part of the overall process of modernizing the network of self-service devices, as it also affects the hardware of the ATM – Windows 11 can only be installed on computers of the 7th generation.

And for Diebold Nixdorf ATMs  , the migration is an even more complex process, as it also affects the VCP-Lite application software and the update of the basic ProBase software platform.

Stages of modernization

BS/2 recommends that its customers plan to migrate to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 to ensure long-term support for the operating system, maintain compliance with modern security requirements, and take advantage of new features of software platforms.

For Diebold Nixdorf ATMs, the migration includes several interrelated stages:

• Upgrading the hardware platform to PC Core 7G;
• Migration to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024;
• Implementation of a new version of the VCP-Lite 7 software platform.
• ProBase 1.5 Core Software Platform Update

If the modernization needs to be distributed over time, a phased scenario of project implementation is possible.

First, ATM computers are upgraded to the 7G platform with the transition to Windows 10 LTSC 2021. This ensures that ATMs are running on a supported version of the Microsoft operating system (until January 2032) and allows you to continue using VCP-Lite 4 until the end of its support period (April 2027).

Next, in the second quarter of 2027, we will migrate to Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 and VCP-Lite 7, which provides long-term support for the software platform, the use of the latest software versions with the latest updates and patches, and creates the basis for further development of the self-service infrastructure.

Gradual upgrades to hardware, operating system, and software help spread investments over time, minimize the impact on ongoing operations, and ensure long-term network stability.

Benefits of Windows 11 for banks

Moving to Windows 11 provides banks with a number of strategic advantages:

• Improving the level of information security
  A modern security architecture, regular updates and support for new hardware protection mechanisms can significantly reduce the risks of cyber threats and exploitation of vulnerabilities.
• Long-term platform support
  Support until 2034 ensures the stability of the infrastructure and allows you to plan the development of the ATM network without the need for frequent updates of the operating system.
• Meet industry requirements
  Using an up-to-date OS makes it easier to comply with PCI and internal security policies, and ensures compliance with OEM best practices.
• Compatibility with modern software platforms Windows
  11 is the core platform for new solutions, including VCP-Lite 7, ensuring support for modern APIs, web technologies, and integration capabilities.
• Ready for digital services
  The platform enables new customer service scenarios, such as integration with mobile applications, Mobile Pre-stage, modern user interfaces, and remote device management.
• Lower total cost of ownership
  Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades reduce support costs, simplify administration, and avoid repeat upgrade projects in the coming years.
• Extending the life cycle of the ATM network
  The use of a modern operating system allows you to use the updated equipment as efficiently as possible and extend its service life.

BS/2 Implementation Experience

BS/2 has practical experience in implementing projects for the modernization of ATM networks and the transition to new software platforms. Together with Diebold Nixdorf, our team was the first in the world to adapt the VCP-Lite application to work on Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024.

Within the framework of such projects, we accompany clients at all stages: from the analysis of the current infrastructure to industrial implementation and subsequent support.

Our approach includes:

• audit of the existing ATM network and assessment of readiness for the transition;
• development of an optimal migration strategy taking into account the bank’s business objectives;
• pilot implementation with subsequent replication of the solution to the entire ATM network;
• step-by-step scaling of the project with minimal impact on the network;
• training of bank specialists and transfer of expertise.

Timely migration planning allows banks to migrate to a supported software platform, reduce operational and information security risks, and ensure that the ATM network is ready for further growth.

Based on its experience, BS/2 helps banks not only meet the mandatory requirements for updating operating systems, but also use the transition as an opportunity for a comprehensive transformation of the self-service infrastructure and the introduction of new digital services.