UK firms see Windows 11 move as chance to adopt AI PCs

A new study from Dell Technologies and Intel indicates that the majority of UK organisations are viewing the upcoming Windows 11 migration as an opportunity to upgrade their IT systems with AI-capable PCs.

The research, called the 'Windows 11 and AI PC Readiness Report', surveyed 1,000 UK IT decision makers across small, medium, and large businesses to assess their preparedness for migrating to Windows 11 and adopting AI-enabled hardware.

AI opportunity

According to the report, 71% of UK IT decision makers see the transition to Microsoft Windows 11 as a moment to refresh their PC fleets with AI-capable systems. A significant proportion, 64%, stated that being able to run AI applications effectively is either critical or extremely critical for their organisation.

The findings highlight that the main advantages cited for implementing AI PCs during this migration are advanced security features (47%) and improvements in employee productivity (44%). This suggests a dual focus on strengthening cybersecurity and enabling greater efficiency and output through enhanced technology.

"The migration to Windows 11 is a key moment for U.K. businesses to align their technology with their strategic ambitions," said Steve Young, Senior Vice President and U.K. Managing Director for Dell Technologies. "This research shows that forward-thinking leaders are looking beyond the immediate deadline, seizing the chance to upgrade to AI-capable systems to enhance security, improve efficiency and boost productivity."

Progress and concerns

The report states that 79% of organisations have begun their Windows 11 migration, with 44% in the process and 35% having completed the transition. However, 20% of businesses have not yet started the migration ahead of the October 2025 end-of-support deadline for Windows 10.

When asked about motivation, 60% of respondents said enhanced security features are the primary driver for the transition. Other significant reasons for upgrading included coverage for new applications and operational improvements. Nonetheless, businesses flagged several barriers: 45% identified software compatibility as a key concern, followed by hardware compatibility (34%) and the potential for operational disruptions (32%).

"In addition to losing technical support, inaction means businesses may rely on less secure devices that can't keep up with the latest applications," said Louise Quennell, U.K. Senior Director, Client Solutions Group for Dell Technologies. "By working with trusted partners like Dell and Intel, they can plan a seamless transition to minimise disruption and set them up to thrive in the AI era."

Cybersecurity drives upgrades

Almost half of IT decision makers (46%) indicated that high-profile cybersecurity breaches were the primary impetus for refreshing their PC fleets, a higher priority even than the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline (42%). This suggests that ongoing security risks in the industry are significant factors influencing technology renewal cycles.

SMB perspectives

Small businesses in the UK face unique challenges regarding the Windows 11 transition. According to the research, only 62% of small businesses (1–50 employees) have started or completed their migration, compared with 79% of all businesses. A greater portion of small businesses remain undecided (22% considering the move versus 17% overall), and a higher proportion are not considering the transition at all (14% compared to 3% among all businesses).

Lack of perceived necessity and budget constraints were cited as reasons for delay. Just 38% of small businesses view the transition as an opportunity to refresh with AI PCs, in contrast to 72% of medium and 79% of larger enterprises. Further, 25% are not planning a fleet refresh at this time, and 26% want to evaluate AI PC benefits more closely.

"We understand that for small businesses, every investment must have a clear return so the need to upgrade isn't always immediately obvious," said Brian Horsburgh, U.K. Small Business Country Manager for Dell Technologies. "That's why we focus on making the business case clear: AI PCs with Windows 11 deliver a competitive edge through smarter day-to-day tools and proactive security. We're here to provide tailored guidance and flexible solutions that turn a perceived cost into a clear catalyst for growth."

Partner approach

"For our channel partners, the conversation with customers is no longer about refresh cycles; it's about building a competitive advantage," said Ian Heath, U.K. Channel and Distribution Lead for Dell Technologies. "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. This presents an exciting opportunity for the channel to move from being a supplier to becoming an indispensable advisor and we're here to help them lead that charge."

The study, conducted by Focaldata in June 2025, draws on responses from businesses of varying sizes, including 15% small, 32% medium, and 53% large enterprises. The research underscores the increasing role that AI capability and security considerations play in IT infrastructure decisions as businesses prepare for the end of Windows 10 support.