Some point of sale terminals run a version of Windows that Microsoft no longer updates. This guide explains what that means for you, how to check your own terminals, and how to solve it without buying new hardware.
Your Smeetz point of sale keeps working either way. Our app installs, runs and updates normally on these machines. What stops is Microsoft's security patching of the operating system underneath it. That is what makes an unpatched terminal a risk on your network and a problem for your card payment compliance.
1. Check which version your terminals run
📌 How to access: on the terminal, press the Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter.
A small window opens and shows your Windows edition and version. Note the edition exactly as written, for example Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB.
Repeat this on every terminal. Versions often differ from one till to another, even when the machines were bought together.
2. Find out where you stand
Windows 10 Pro: security updates ended on 14.10.2025. Plan the update as soon as you can.
Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB: security updates end on 13.10.2026. Plan the update before that date.
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021: supported until 13.01.2032. Nothing to do.
Windows 11, any edition: supported. Nothing to do.
⚠️ Read the edition name carefully. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 without IoT is only supported until 12.01.2027. Ask your supplier for the IoT edition.
3. Install the right version
The version we recommend is Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, supported until 13.01.2032.
Keep your existing terminals. This is an operating system reinstall, not a hardware replacement. Terminals already running this version run the Smeetz point of sale exactly as before.
Windows 11 is usually not an option on these terminals. The limit is the processor generation, so adding memory does not help.
Plan for a full reinstall. Applications and local settings do not carry over, so the terminal has to be set up again afterwards, including your peripherals.
4. Who does the work
The reinstall and the Windows licence are handled by your IT team or the supplier who provided your terminals. They have both the hardware access and the licensing channel for it.
✅ Tell your Smeetz contact the date you plan to do it. We will run a short check on your point of sale straight after the switch, so you can confirm that sales, payments, receipt printing and ticket scanning all work before your next opening.