Evolving Business IT: Adapting to AI PCs and the Windows 10 EoS Transition

As businesses in the UK approach a pivotal technological crossroads, staying ahead of the curve requires careful planning. With the End of Support (EoS) for Windows 10 set for October 2025 and the rise of AI-enabled business PCs, organisations must rethink their IT strategies to maintain productivity, security, and competitiveness. So, how can companies navigate these changes, make the most of their current investments, and embrace future-proof technologies?

AI in Business PCs: Transformative Innovation or Passing Trend?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept; it's entering everyday business computing. However, the adoption of AI varies greatly depending on industry needs. For example, AI's role in sectors dealing with large datasets or advanced analytics is clear, but what about more generalised office environments?

The real change is happening at the hardware level. AI-powered PCs are built with new chipsets, specifically Neural Processing Units (NPUs), designed to handle AI workloads alongside traditional CPU and GPU tasks. These more efficient systems are capable of faster data processing, advanced threat detection, and more personalised user experiences. Security is a key benefit, as AI-enhanced PCs can identify and respond to cybersecurity threats more quickly than traditional systems.  

But what can AI PCs do in terms of day-to-day productivity? Many businesses have already integrated AI into familiar applications like Microsoft Word and Excel, where AI tools can assist with everything from predictive text to data insights. Features like Microsoft Copilot+ help employees automate mundane tasks and streamline workflows, allowing for a more tailored experience that boosts overall productivity.

However, as with new advances, there come challenges, especially for companies not yet ready to fully embrace AI.

Navigating the Challenges of AI Integration

For businesses considering AI-enabled PCs, it's essential to recognise both the benefits and the barriers:

• Managing Complexity: AI tools, while powerful, introduce a new level of complexity. From AI hallucinations (incorrect or fabricated information) to the reliance on the right hardware, businesses must tread carefully when adopting these systems. Incorrect data could lead to faulty decision-making, especially in critical roles.
• Security Risks from Shadow AI: With increased access to cloud-based AI tools, employees may bypass official channels and use unauthorised apps. This practice, known as "Shadow AI," poses a significant security threat. Implementing security measures to monitor and control unauthorised tool usage is essential.
• Hardware Compatibility: AI PCs require specific hardware to unlock their full potential. Systems without an NPU (Neural processing unit) or compatible chipsets may not handle AI workloads efficiently. An ongoing arms race between chip manufacturers like Intel, AMD with x86, and newer players Qualcomm with ARM-based Snapdragon means that today's state-of-the-art technology may quickly become yesterday's technology. Ensuring your hardware can keep pace with AI advancements is essential to avoid costly, frequent upgrades.

Windows 10 EoS: Time to Rethink IT Infrastructure

As the Windows 10 end-of-support deadline looms, businesses should start planning their transition strategies now. With AI PCs entering the market, how should companies balance upgrading for immediate needs vs. future-proofing for AI advancements?

One potential approach is to maximise the life of existing hardware through strategic upgrades while also preparing for a future move to AI-enabled systems.

Alternative Solutions: Upgrading Existing Systems

Upgrading existing IT equipment may be the most practical and cost-effective option for many businesses, especially those early in the AI adoption lifecycle. While exciting, AI PCs may only be necessary for some employees or departments. So, how can businesses balance the old with the new? They can do this by:

• Upgrading Memory and Storage: Boosting the performance of current systems by upgrading components such as RAM or SSD can extend hardware lifecycles and delay total replacements. This is particularly effective for teams using general office software like Word, Excel, or Internet browsers.
• Strategic Upgrades: Not all departments need AI capabilities right away. Businesses should engage in a "discovery exercise" to identify where upgrades will have the most impact. For instance, data-heavy departments or those involved in AI development may need AI-powered PCs, while other teams could continue using upgraded legacy systems.
• Avoid Buying Twice: It might be tempting to postpone significant investments when planning IT upgrades until AI-powered PCs become mainstream and more affordable. But, opting for underpowered systems that aren't upgradable as a stopgap solution could create bigger problems. Whilst these systems may meet current needs, they will quickly become obsolete as software demands grow, leading to a second wave of upgrades sooner than expected. Resulting in additional costs, operational disruptions, and wasted investment.

Preparing for Windows 11: A Phased Approach

As businesses plan for the Windows 10 end-of-support, they must determine who will benefit from Windows 11 and AI-enabled systems. It's unlikely that every team will need the latest technology right away. Instead, businesses should adopt a phased upgrade approach.

• Assess Department Needs: Begin by evaluating which teams will benefit from immediate upgrades. High-demand departments, such as IT or data analysis, may require Windows 11 and AI PCs earlier. Meanwhile, teams with lower-tech needs can continue using upgraded versions of their current systems.
• Plan for Future-Proofing: When upgrading, think ahead. The key to managing your IT lifecycle is to anticipate the growing demands that AI and other advanced software will place on systems. Investing in over-specified hardware today can help avoid bottlenecks down the line. Avoid soldered components, such as memory and storage, as these limit your ability to upgrade systems incrementally.

Maximise IT Investments with Smart Planning

When planning IT investments in 2024/25, balancing short-term needs with long-term goals is essential. Consider adopting a phased approach to technology upgrades as mentioned, while keeping an eye on future AI advancements.

• Future-Proof Systems: Invest in hardware that can meet both current and future demands. AI-powered applications, especially those running in the cloud, will increasingly require more processing power, memory, and storage. Planning ahead will ensure that your systems can handle future updates without the need for constant replacements.
• Education and Adaptation: Finally, remember that technology alone won't improve efficiency. Your workforce needs to be educated on how to get the most out of AI advancements. By providing training and support, businesses can maximise the value of AI technology and ensure employees are prepared to leverage its potential.

Stay Ahead by Embracing the Future

While the prospect of AI PCs and Windows 10's EoS might feel overwhelming, businesses should view this as an opportunity to embrace new technology and strengthen their IT infrastructure. AI offers substantial productivity, security, and personalisation benefits, but only when implemented thoughtfully and strategically.

By investing in the right hardware, planning for incremental upgrades, and educating teams on AI capabilities, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and navigate the complexities of this evolving technological landscape.

Whatever strategy is right for your business, you can discuss your memory and storage upgrade requirements with our team of experts today.