Recent research highlights a significant shift in the IT landscape, particularly as businesses navigate the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This timing aligns perfectly with the emergence of AI PCs in the market, presenting a unique opportunity for organizations to enhance their technological capabilities.
- IT decision-makers see upgrading as a chance to get the latest AI PCs
- Advanced security and boosted productivity are especially attractive
- 62% would now consider an AI PC over a regular PC
According to a study conducted by Dell, a remarkable 80% of UK businesses are either in the process of migrating to Windows 11 or have already completed the transition. This migration is not merely viewed as an operating system update; rather, it is seen as a strategic opportunity to embrace AI-ready PCs. Nearly three-quarters of IT decision-makers (71%) acknowledge that this transition has opened doors to upgrading to more powerful AI PCs.
Windows 11 upgrade is causing many to consider AI PCs
The advantages of AI PCs are becoming increasingly apparent, with nearly half of the respondents recognizing that these devices offer advanced security features (47%) and enhanced employee productivity (44%). Furthermore, approximately two-thirds (64%) consider AI-capable hardware essential for the future of their operations. The urgency for improved security is underscored by the fact that 46% of IT leaders cite security breaches as a primary motivator for refreshing their PC fleets, surpassing the 42% who are updating due to the Windows 10 end of support.
However, challenges remain. Concerns about software compatibility (45%) are the most frequently mentioned obstacles, followed by hardware compatibility (34%) and potential operational disruptions (32%). Consequently, 20% of the surveyed businesses have yet to initiate their transition, despite the looming deadline of less than four months.
Ian Heath, Dell UK’s Channel and Distribution Lead, emphasizes the broader implications of the Windows 11 transition, stating, “Adding the context of the Windows 11 transition means the AI PC isn’t just a new product to sell; it is a gateway to higher-value services like strategic deployment, security hardening, and workflow integration.”
Looking ahead, the momentum for AI PCs continues to build, with three in five IT decision-makers (62%) expressing a preference for a Copilot+ PC over a traditional model. The allure of longer battery life, superior performance, local AI processing, and integrated productivity tools is driving this trend forward.
