Dell and Intel assert that Windows 11 presents a prime chance for AI-powered computers
The technology landscape is shifting towards AI-enabled Personal Computers (PCs), with Dell and Intel leading the charge for businesses to prioritise AI-ready systems in their refresh cycle. Louise Quennell, Dell UK's Client Solutions Group senior director, believes this upgrade can lead to increased productivity, collaboration, and security.
The push for AI PCs is further emphasised in the "Windows 11 & AI PC Readiness Report," which argues that businesses should focus on AI-ready PCs to stay competitive. According to the report, organisations that embrace AI "will gain a significant edge in productivity," while those that delay risk falling behind.
However, some concerns have been raised about the lack of a standard for AI software to work, as highlighted by Directions on Microsoft last year. This issue, along with others, is said to be one of the barriers to migration, according to a report from Dell and Intel based on a survey of 1,000 IT decision makers. It's not specified what these barriers are.
Despite these challenges, the market trends for AI PCs indicate strong growth and significant industry shifts in 2025. AI-enabled PCs are expected to account for around 43-44% of notebook shipments in 2025, reflecting a sharp rise in integrating AI capabilities into personal computers.
The AI PC segment is temporarily boosting average PC prices due to advanced hardware integration like Neural Processing Units (NPUs), but it is not significantly expanding the total addressable market size beyond the existing PC market. The planned end of support for Windows 10 in late 2025 is prompting a wave of commercial PC refreshes, accelerating AI PC demand, especially in enterprise segments.
Growth in commercial enterprise and public sector purchases is fuelling shipments, as large organizations upgrade systems ahead of Windows 10 sunset and seek AI-focused performance enhancements. The market is witnessing intensified competition between x86 and Arm-based processors powering AI PCs, impacting innovation and price dynamics.
Recovery prospects for large markets like China are influenced by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, affecting supply chains and demand patterns. Technological improvements, enterprise readiness, pricing pressures, and market segmentation also play a significant role in shaping demand for AI PCs.
PC makers are expected to charge a premium price for AI-ready systems, which may need to be reconsidered if they want buyers to purchase. The report concludes that "The question isn't about whether your organisation will make this transition but whether you'll do so as a leader."
Windows 10 support is ending on October 14, and recent forecasts estimate that AI-enabled systems may account for 43% of PCs sold this year, making up the bulk of the market in 2026. However, demand for AI PCs is currently "pretty slow," according to a report by market intelligence firm Context, released last month. Despite this, the latest report states that Windows 11 and AI PCs can be "a differentiator in today's AI-driven world."
64% of respondents felt it was either critical or very critical for their organisation to ensure that new PCs are powerful enough to run AI applications effectively. The report from Dell and Intel also finds that 62% of respondents are more likely to choose a Copilot+ AI PC. Jimmy Wai, an Intel technical sales specialist, describes the refresh cycle as the gateway to the next generation of computing.
In summary, 2025 is a pivotal year for AI PC adoption, characterised by rapid integration of AI-specific hardware, a strong upgrade cycle driven by Windows 10’s end of support, and a competitive landscape shaped by chip innovation and geopolitical risks. Growth is particularly strong in enterprise sectors, while consumer uptake shows cautious optimism. Demand is shaped by a mix of technological capability advances, market readiness, pricing, and external economic factors.
- As the technology landscape increasingly focuses on AI-enabled Personal Computers (PCs), the question arises about the readiness of AI software for seamless integration, a concern addressed by Directions on Microsoft last year.
- In the report "Windows 11 & AI PC Readiness," it's alleged that AI-ready PCs are crucial for businesses to stay competitive and gain an edge in productivity, while failure to adapt might result in falling behind.
- According to Jimmy Wai, an Intel technical sales specialist, the refresh cycle serves as the gateway to the next generation of computing, with AI-enabled systems potentially making up 43% of PCs sold this year, foreshadowing a predominant market presence in 2026.
