During a recent earnings call, Dell’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeffrey Clarke, shared insights that shed light on the current state of operating system migrations, particularly regarding Windows 11. He noted a significant lag in the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with migration rates falling short by approximately 10% to 12% compared to the previous operating system’s adoption rates after its end of support deadline.
Challenges in Migration
The slower uptake of Windows 11 can be attributed to several factors, most notably its stringent system requirements, which exclude a considerable number of older PCs from compatibility. Clarke pointed out that around 500 million PCs are unable to run Windows 11, and while some users may consider upgrading their hardware, many will find it impractical, especially in the case of laptops.
Despite these challenges, Dell has experienced a solid year in terms of PC sales, reporting an increase in sales of ‘mid-to-high single digits’ for 2025. However, Clarke anticipates a shift in 2026, forecasting flat sales as the market grapples with rising component costs, particularly for RAM and SSDs. This situation is compounded by the ongoing supply chain issues that have led to increased prices, making it difficult for manufacturers to keep costs down.
Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior
The sluggish migration to Windows 11 is likely to impact Dell’s sales strategy, as many consumers may opt to retain their Windows 10 machines or explore alternative operating systems such as Linux or macOS. The general unpopularity of Windows 11, stemming from both hardware restrictions and user sentiment, has been evident throughout its lifecycle.
Moreover, Microsoft has introduced a unique approach with Windows 10’s end of life, offering extended support to consumers at no additional cost, which allows users to receive security updates until October 2026. This extension provides users with additional time to consider their options regarding upgrades or new purchases, potentially delaying the transition to Windows 11.
As the industry looks ahead, it remains to be seen whether a surge in migration will occur as the extended support period draws to a close. The pace of this transition could be influenced by Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI functionalities into Windows 11, a move that has sparked both interest and controversy among existing users.
