With another version of Windows set to retire (this time, Windows 10), it remains critical for banks to avoid running unsupported software on ATMs. Routine operating system (OS) upgrades often complicate these efforts by forcing banks to perform otherwise unnecessary ATM hardware upgrades. KAL’s Kalignite Hypervisor solves this problem by transforming the way ATMs migrate to newer operating systems - enabling banks to run Windows 11 and subsequent releases on their existing machines even if unsupported by the ATM hardware vendor.
Addressing the downsides of OS upgrades
While routine Windows OS upgrades signal the advancement of technology, they also create a billion-dollar problem for ATM networks. The root of this problem lies in the traditional linking of OS software and PC hardware components. When these areas are inseparable, banks are forced to perform mass ATM hardware replacements each time a version of Windows ends support. The impact is disruptive and costly, while the resulting changes are only a short-term fix. Thankfully, KAL has a better solution.
Kalignite Hypervisor breaks this cycle for good by enabling the OS software and PC-core hardware components to be decoupled.
Migrating ATMs to newer versions of Windows is painless with Kalignite Hypervisor
KAL’s Kalignite Hypervisor bridges the gap between ATM hardware, newer versions of Windows and all future OS-related software upgrades, making it a game-changer. It uses Linux-based technology (supported by IBM subsidiary, Red Hat) to run the latest Windows in a virtual machine on the ATM. When Windows support for older hardware components ends, Kalignite Hypervisor gives ATMs the ability to securely continue. With this strategy, banks can run newer operating systems such as Windows 11 on current ATMs without forced hardware upgrades or unsupported software.
Looking to the future of OS upgrade cycles in the ATM industry
With Microsoft’s mainstream support for Windows 10 (non-LTSC versions) scheduled to end on 14th of October 2025, the challenge of migrating ATMs to the latest software is as real as ever. Concerns over the costs and complexities of adopting Windows 11 are prompting many organizations to re-evaluate the OS upgrade cycle.
Kalignite Hypervisor gives banks the permanent upper hand for ATM OS and hardware management by eliminating forced hardware changes triggered by OS upgrade cycles. As the ATM industry looks to Windows 11 and beyond, there has never been a better time to embrace this future-proof technology.
In the words of KAL’s Global EVP of Sales Steve Hensley:
Kalignite Hypervisor enables banks to be highly strategic with ATM software and hardware assets in the long term. With KAL’s solution, forced ATM hardware changes triggered by OS upgrades have gone from being inevitable to avoidable - reducing costs for banks while streamlining the ATM lifecycle.
Support for Windows 11 within KAL’s Kalignite ATM software suite
Beyond Hypervisor, KAL has supported Windows 11 within the Kalignite software suite for years. Remaining up to date with the latest version of the Windows operating system is one of the many ways we deliver future-proof value for banks and other organizations with ATMs.
Learn more about the benefits of Windows 11 for ATMs.