New research from Dell Technologies and Intel reveals that 71% of U.K. IT Decision Makers (ITDMs) view the move to Microsoft Windows 11 as an opportunity to upgrade their PC fleets with AI-capable systems.
The ‘Windows 11 and AI PC Readiness Report’ also found that U.K. businesses see upgrading to AI PCs when they transition to Windows 11 to transform operations, with 64% saying being able to run AI applications effectively is critical or extremely critical for their organization.
Top AI PC advantages
The top AI PC advantages reported were ‘advanced security features’ (47%) and ‘greater employee productivity’ (44%), highlighting a dual focus on cybersecurity and using AI to empower their teams.
"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, adding "This research shows that forward-thinking pioneers are looking beyond the immediate deadline, seizing the chance to upgrade to AI-capable systems to enhance security, improve efficiency and boost productivity."
Navigating common Windows 11 migration barriers
Hardware (34%) compatibility is also top-of-mind, as are potential disruptions to operations (32%)
While 79% of organizations have started to transition to Windows 11 (44% in the process of transitioning and 35% have fully transitioned), the survey found that 20% of businesses have not yet begun the process ahead of the October 2025 deadline.
Respondents report that benefitting from enhanced security features (60%) is their main motivator for transitioning but said that software compatibility for existing applications is a key concern (45%). Hardware (34%) compatibility is also top-of-mind, as are potential disruptions to operations (32%).
Seamless transition to minimize disruption
"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.
Louise Quennell adds, "By working with trusted partners like Dell and Intel, they can plan a seamless transition to minimize disruption and set them up to thrive in the AI era."
Small businesses face unique hurdles
Findings suggest that small businesses (1 – 50 employees) are less likely to have started or completed their transition to Windows 11 (62% versus 79% of all businesses). They are more likely to be considering the move (22% versus 17% of all businesses) and a higher percentage aren’t considering it at all (14% versus 3% of all businesses).
While small businesses share similar barriers with medium and big businesses, they are much more likely to say they feel it’s unnecessary (29% compared to 15% at 51 – 250 employee and 12% at 251+ employee businesses).
Benefits of AI PCs
38% of small businesses said that they see Windows 11 as an opportunity to refresh to an AI PC fleet
Looking to AI PCs, 38% of small businesses said that they see Windows 11 as an opportunity to refresh to an AI PC fleet compared to 72% of medium businesses and 79% of big businesses.
They report being less likely to be planning to refresh their PC fleet at this time (25% versus 6% of all businesses) and more likely to want to evaluate the benefits of AI PCs further for their transition (26% versus 19% of all businesses).
Windows 11 migration and adoption of AI PCs
"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.
Brian Horsburgh adds, "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."
The study was conducted via Focaldata from 3 – 9 June 2025. 1,000 U.K. IT Decision Makers were surveyed online across small (15%, 1 – 50 employees), medium (32%, 51 – 250 employees) and large (53%, 251+ employees) businesses to assess preparedness for Windows 11 migration and the adoption of AI PCs.
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