The Role of the AI PC in Your Next Fleet Refresh

This IDC Perspective explores challenges and opportunities for IT decision-makers as they prepare to address Microsoft's October 2025 Windows 10 end of service (EOS). It discusses the steps a company should take as it assesses its plans to refresh its Windows PC fleet, the importance of closely partnering with trusted hardware, silicon, and software partners, the new options available in the era of the AI PC, and the importance of planning for a future where AI becomes ever more ubiquitous. "The October 2025 Windows 10 end of service has crept up on many companies who have been almost entirely focused on understanding and implementing AI in their business," says Tom Mainelli, group vice president, Devices and Consumer Research at IDC. "Now they're faced with making fast decisions around their fleet refresh and the role that the AI PC will play going forward. How they choose to proceed will have a lasting impact on their AI strategy for years to come."