The end of Windows 10 support in October 2025 is prompting UK businesses to rethink their hardware strategy, with a clear pivot toward AI-ready PCs. A new joint study from Dell Technologies and Intel surveys 1,000 UK IT decision-makers and reveals that the moment is being treated not as a mere deadline but as a strategic inflection point for broader technology refreshes. The research shows a strong intent to move to Windows 11 and, within that transition, to deploy AI-capable PCs that can transform operations through enhanced security and productivity. As the market shifts, forward-looking leaders are aligning their infrastructure with longer-term strategic goals, aiming to secure a competitive edge as AI applications become more central to daily business activities.
Windows 11 as a Catalyst for AI-Ready PCs
The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 represents more than a routine OS upgrade. For many UK organisations, it serves as the gateway to a broader modernization effort that prioritises AI-enabled computing capabilities. The Dell-Intel study highlights that 71% of IT decision-makers see the Windows 11 migration as the trigger to deploy AI-capable PCs. This view reframes the upgrade as a strategic investment rather than a reactive compliance task, underscoring the expectation that Windows 11 will do more than provide compatibility with current software. It is anticipated to unlock a new wave of AI-powered workflows that can be integrated into day-to-day operations.
In the same vein, 64% of respondents describe the ability to run AI applications effectively as either critical or extremely critical for their organisation. This emphasis on AI readiness signals a shift in priorities, where technology choices are increasingly judged by their capacity to support intelligent software and automated processes. The landscape is evolving beyond simply meeting a minimum standard of support to actively enabling advanced capabilities that can reshape productivity and security postures.
Two AI-PC advantages emerge most prominently from the surveyed executives: advanced security features, cited by 47%, and greater employee productivity, cited by 44%. These figures reveal a dual focus in the current upgrade mindset: organisations are prioritising stronger cybersecurity while also seeking to empower workers with tools that can automate routine tasks, extract insights, and accelerate decision-making. The pairing of security and productivity illustrates how AI-ready PCs are positioned as a multifaceted solution rather than a single-purpose upgrade.
The overarching message from Steve Young, the Senior Vice President and UK Managing Director for Dell Technologies, is that the Windows 11 migration is a pivotal moment to align technology with strategic business goals. The study portrays the shift as a deliberate move toward higher security, improved efficiency, and enhanced productivity. In this framing, the Windows 11 transition is not merely about staying current; it is about positioning the organisation to leverage AI in a way that delivers measurable business value. This perspective reinforces the idea that the migration is a catalyst for a broader, more sustainable hardware refresh cycle.
Security remains a central theme in this transition. The focus on AI-enabled PCs is framed as part of a broader effort to strengthen security postures while enabling smarter, more capable work tools. The research signals that organisations view AI capabilities as integral to staying ahead in an increasingly complex threat landscape and a rapidly evolving software ecosystem. As businesses prepare for Windows 11, the expectation is that AI-ready hardware will form the backbone of a secure, efficient, and future-proof technology environment.
Key drivers behind the upgrade
The study highlights several practical drivers that are shaping decision-making around AI PCs and Windows 11. Organisations cite the opportunity to harmonise their tech stack with strategic priorities, reduce operational friction, and enable more secure and efficient work processes. The upgrade is increasingly seen as a pathway to long-term competitiveness, rather than a standalone, time-bound project. Leaders anticipate that AI-enabled devices will underpin new ways of working, from automated workflows and smarter analytics to more resilient security measures and better user experiences.
From a deployment perspective, the transition to AI-ready PCs is framed as a collaborative effort involving trusted partners. Dell and Intel emphasise that a successful migration goes beyond simply procuring new hardware; it requires careful planning to minimise disruption and ensure that Windows 11 integrates smoothly with existing software ecosystems and security standards. In this context, the role of the channel, solutions providers, and system integrators becomes critical in delivering a seamless, scaled rollout that realises the promised benefits without compromising uptime or performance.
Security, AI and the Role of the Windows 11 Upgrade
The push toward AI-ready PCs is inseparable from concerns about security and risk management. The data indicate that the Windows deadline is not the sole driver for refresh cycles. A sizable portion of organisations—46%—identify high-profile cybersecurity breaches as a primary catalyst for upgrading, while 42% point to the end-of-service date as a motivating factor. These figures underscore a prioritisation of security alongside the practical need to maintain supported software and hardware platforms.
Although many organisations have begun transitioning to Windows 11—79% have started—the journey is accompanied by notable friction. The most frequently cited concerns relate to compatibility: software compatibility for existing applications stands at 45%, and hardware compatibility is cited by 34% of respondents. Additionally, 32% worry about potential disruptions to operations during the transition. Taken together, these concerns highlight the need for a carefully managed upgrade that preserves continuity while delivering security and AI-enhanced capabilities.
The commentary from industry voices reinforces the view that this refresh cycle is distinct. Jimmy Wai, a Technical Sales Specialist at Intel, describes the cycle as uniquely significant because it represents the gateway to the next generation of computing—AI-powered capabilities. This framing positions the Windows 11 upgrade as a strategic enabler of AI, rather than a mere operating system upgrade. It also reflects a broader industry expectation that the refresh will unlock new levels of efficiency and security when AI features are properly integrated into the enterprise environment.
From Dell Technologies, Louise Quennell, UK Senior Director of the Client Solutions Group, stresses the risk of inaction. Beyond the loss of technical support, failing to upgrade could leave businesses on devices that cannot keep pace with the latest applications or security requirements. Her comments underscore the practical realities businesses face: outdated hardware increasingly becomes a liability in both performance and security, driving demand for a more modern, AI-capable platform. The collaboration with trusted partners is highlighted as essential to a smooth transition, helping organisations minimise disruption while positioning them to thrive in an AI-enabled era.
Practical considerations for a secure transition
A central takeaway is that organisations are pursuing a balanced upgrade path. On the one hand, they aim to maintain continuity and compatibility with existing software ecosystems. On the other hand, they seek to capitalise on AI-enabled features that can strengthen security and boost productivity. An effective strategy involves a phased approach to migration, rigorous testing of critical applications, and the deployment of AI-powered security tools that can adapt to emerging threats. The importance of partner ecosystems—spanning hardware, software, and managed services—emerges as a key driver of success, ensuring that organisations can navigate the complexity of the Windows 11 transition while realising tangible security and efficiency gains.
Enterprise vs. Small Business Adoption and Channel Implications
The research reveals a clear divergence in attitudes and actions based on company size, particularly regarding readiness to adopt AI-capable hardware as part of the Windows 11 upgrade. The migration rate stands at 79% for the overall population of businesses, but there is a notable gap at the small-business end of the spectrum. Only 62% of small businesses (1–50 employees) have started or completed their migration, which trails the 79% average. This gap reflects a cautious approach among smaller organisations, with a higher tendency to judge the upgrade as unnecessary—29% compared to 15% for medium-sized enterprises and 12% for large enterprises. The data suggest that small businesses are weighing the immediate cost against perceived benefits, and they may delay investments unless a clear return is demonstrated.
This cautious stance extends to AI-PC adoption specifically. While 38% of small businesses view the Windows 11 upgrade as a chance to acquire AI-capable hardware, a much larger share of larger organisations already recognises this opportunity. In contrast, 72% of medium-sized and 79% of large enterprises see the upgrade as a route to AI-ready equipment. The size-based disparity indicates that the strategic calculus for smaller firms rests on clearer business cases, with a focus on practical, near-term benefits and cost-effective deployment strategies. The challenge for vendors and partners is to articulate a compelling value proposition that translates into measurable returns in everyday operations for smaller teams.
Brian Horsburgh, the UK Small Business Country Manager for Dell Technologies, explains the nuance behind this dynamic. He emphasizes that for small businesses, every investment must demonstrate a clear return, and the immediate need for an upgrade may not be obvious. His perspective reflects a pragmatic approach: solution providers should emphasise the business case for AI-ready PCs, highlighting how Windows 11 can deliver competitive advantages through smarter, more secure day-to-day tools. He also notes that Dell’s approach focuses on tailored guidance and flexible solutions that can turn what some perceive as a cost into a catalyst for growth by delivering tangible value.
Market differentiation and channel opportunities
The adoption gap among small businesses also has implications for the IT channel. The shift to AI PCs, coupled with the mandatory OS upgrade, elevates the conversation beyond simple procurement. It expands the dialogue to include services such as strategic deployment, security hardening, and workflow integration. Ian Heath, the UK Channel and Distribution Lead for Dell Technologies, frames this transition as a move from discussing refresh cycles to building competitive advantage for customers. Partners are positioned to offer more than hardware; they can deliver end-to-end solutions that help organisations integrate Windows 11 and AI capabilities into their existing processes and security frameworks.
The Windows 11 transition thus becomes a gateway to higher-value services for channel partners, who can assist organisations in minimising disruption while accelerating the benefits of AI-enabled workflows. The expanded service model includes planning and execution support, risk assessments, and continuous security optimization tailored to AI workloads. By aligning technology purchases with strategic outcomes, channel partners can help organisations realise the promised gains in security, efficiency, and productivity while maintaining operational resilience during the transition.
Implementation Pathways and Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Dell-Intel research points to a multi-faceted pathway for organisations as they embrace AI-ready PCs and Windows 11. The convergence of an end-to-support deadline, AI capability requirements, and a security-oriented mindset creates a compelling case for a coordinated refresh that integrates hardware, software, and services. The findings suggest that UK businesses are not treating the Windows 11 upgrade as a short-term project; rather, they view it as the opening stage of a broader digital transformation that will shape IT strategy for years to come.
A practical implication for organisations is the need to plan for compatibility across both software and hardware ecosystems. While concerns exist about software and hardware compatibility, as well as potential operational disruptions, these worries can be mitigated through careful project governance, phased rollouts, and the involvement of experienced partners with a track record in AI-ready transitions. The research signals a willingness to invest in security-centric, productivity-enhancing hardware that supports AI workloads, provided the transition is managed with minimal risk and measurable value.
From a strategic perspective, the market appears ready to embrace AI-capable PCs as a standard component of enterprise technology infrastructure, rather than a niche enhancement. The push toward AI-enabled devices aligns with broader industry expectations that AI will be embedded across business processes, from data analysis and decision support to security monitoring and intelligent automation. Organisations that adopt AI-ready PCs as part of their Windows 11 migration are likely to gain early advantages in terms of security posture, employee efficiency, and the ability to scale AI initiatives as needs evolve.
Operational considerations for a successful rollout
A successful rollout requires a well-structured plan that covers governance, risk management, and ongoing optimization. Key elements include an inventory of current hardware and software, a risk assessment that prioritises critical applications, and a roadmap that sequences upgrades to minimise downtime. It is essential to establish clear success metrics, such as reductions in security incidents, improvements in task completion times, and measurable gains in user satisfaction. Training and change management play a critical role in ensuring that staff are prepared to leverage AI-enabled features, maximizing the return on investment from the new hardware and software stack.
The role of partners remains central in delivering this transformation. Working with trusted collaborators who can provide end-to-end support—from initial assessment and procurement to deployment, security hardening, and workflow integration—helps organisations realise the benefits of AI-ready PCs with confidence. In practice, this means a blended approach that combines hardware procurement with managed services, security solutions, and consulting to optimize the AI-enabled environment over time. By embracing this model, organisations can accelerate their conversion to AI-powered workflows while maintaining a robust security baseline and ensuring business continuity throughout the upgrade journey.
A forward-looking view for CIOs and IT teams
For Chief Information Officers and IT teams, the Dell-Intel study offers a forward-looking perspective on how to prioritise investment in AI and security. The data suggest a clear consensus that AI-ready hardware, together with Windows 11, represents a substantial lever for achieving strategic objectives. CIOs are encouraged to frame the upgrade not as a cost but as a strategic enabler of productivity, security, and resilience. They should also consider how AI capabilities can be deployed across departments to unlock new efficiencies and support more informed decision-making.
In practice, the transformation may involve piloting AI-enabled features in high-impact use cases, followed by broader deployment as confidence and familiarity grow. As organisations progress, the emphasis should remain on aligning technology choices with long-term strategic goals, including the ability to scale AI capabilities, protect sensitive data, and empower employees with tools that enhance performance. The partnership between Dell and Intel provides a pathway for a phased, secure, and value-driven transition that can help UK businesses capitalise on the AI era without compromising business continuity or security.
Conclusion
The end of Windows 10 support marks a strategic inflection point for UK businesses aiming to modernise their hardware and adopt AI-ready PCs. Dell Technologies and Intel’s joint study of 1,000 UK IT decision-makers shows a strong intent to migrate to Windows 11 and to deploy AI-capable PCs, driven by the need for enhanced security and higher productivity. Organisations recognise AI capability as critical or extremely critical, underscoring the strategic role of AI in future operations. While security and productivity emerge as the foremost benefits, the upgrade also brings potential challenges, including software and hardware compatibility concerns and the risk of operational disruptions during the transition.
Adoption patterns vary by company size, with small businesses displaying more caution and a greater emphasis on tangible returns, while larger organisations show more enthusiasm for AI-ready hardware as part of their Windows 11 rollout. The channel ecosystem is poised to play a pivotal role in delivering not just hardware but comprehensive, value-added services that enable a smooth transition and meaningful business outcomes. As organisations move forward, the focus remains on orchestrating a well-planned, security-conscious, and scalable migration that unleashes the power of AI while safeguarding continuity.
In this evolving landscape, CIOs and IT leaders should treat Windows 11 as a strategic platform for AI-enabled transformation. By engaging trusted partners and pursuing a phased, risk-managed approach, UK businesses can realise the full benefits of AI-ready PCs—stronger security, improved productivity, and a future-ready digital foundation that supports continuous innovation. The journey toward AI-enabled operations is framed not as a one-off upgrade, but as a sustained evolution that will define competitiveness in the years ahead.
