The hardware channel has long anticipated that the conclusion of Windows 10 support would catalyze a wave of PC upgrades. Recent research conducted by Dell and Intel suggests that this moment is indeed poised to invigorate the channel.
Opportunities for Upgrades
According to the findings, a significant 71% of IT decision-makers perceive the transition to Windows 11 as a prime opportunity to enhance their PC infrastructure. However, the motivation for this shift extends beyond merely adopting the latest Microsoft operating system. The Windows 11 and AI PC readiness report indicates that many users are eager to leverage this transition as a chance to embrace AI-capable products.
The report highlights that 64% of UK decision-makers consider the ability to run AI applications effectively as “critical or extremely critical” for their organizations. The allure of AI lies in its potential to bolster security features and enhance productivity among staff.
Ian Heath, UK channel and distribution lead for Dell Technologies, emphasized the evolving nature of conversations between channel partners and customers. “For our channel partners, the conversation with customers is no longer about refresh cycles; it’s about building a competitive advantage,” he stated. He further elaborated that the context of the Windows 11 transition transforms the AI PC into more than just a new product; it becomes a gateway to higher-value services such as strategic deployment, security hardening, and workflow integration.
This evolution presents a thrilling opportunity for the channel to transition from being mere suppliers to becoming indispensable advisers, with Dell Technologies committed to supporting this shift.
The Educational Role of the Channel
Despite these promising developments, the channel still has a crucial educational role to fulfill. Currently, 20% of customers have yet to initiate their transition from Windows 10. Only 25% have completed the migration, while an additional 44% are actively working to meet the impending October end-of-life support deadline.
Small firms, defined as those with up to 50 employees, are particularly lagging in this transition and could greatly benefit from the guidance of the channel. The research underscores the security risks associated with remaining on an unsupported operating system, which extend beyond the absence of patch updates.
“In addition to losing technical support, inaction means businesses may rely on less secure devices that can’t keep up with the latest applications,” warned Louise Quennell, UK senior director of Client Solutions Group for Dell Technologies.
Shifts in Hardware Perspectives
When it comes to AI PCs, medium and large enterprises are viewing the shift to Windows 11 as an opportunity to refresh their hardware, while smaller companies continue to trail behind. Decision-makers at smaller firms have indicated that they will be assessing the benefits of AI PCs more thoroughly before committing to a migration.
Over the past year, analysts from firms such as Canalys and Context have identified the dual motivators of end-of-life support and AI PCs as pivotal in driving growth within the hardware market. Although the momentum has been gradual, there are signs that these factors are contributing to an uptick in PC sales for 2025. Canalys projects a global PC market growth of 5.8% this year, with total shipments expected to reach 272 million units. Notably, the analyst house has already recorded a 9% growth globally in Q1 and a 7.4% year-on-year improvement in Q2.
