Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of end-user computing in 2025! The PC market is about to undergo a massive transformation, and we're here to break it down for you. The end of an era is upon us, and it's time to explore the top stories that will shape the future of computing.
Microsoft has made a bold move by announcing the end of support for Windows 10, marking it as the final major release of the iconic Windows operating system. But here's where it gets controversial: Microsoft set an expiration date of October 5, 2025, for Windows 10, leaving many users and businesses with a tough decision to make.
While the release of a new Windows version isn't entirely surprising, it presents a unique challenge for IT departments. Upgrading to Windows 11 allows for a fresh start, but it also means saying goodbye to older peripherals and devices. Microsoft's security stance means that as PCs age, the risk of cyber attacks increases, making it essential to keep up with the latest updates.
But what about those perfectly good peripherals that might be left behind? Microsoft's decision to enforce signed device drivers means that older devices may become obsolete, even if they still function. This raises an important question: should we prioritize security over the longevity of our beloved gadgets?
The migration to Windows 11 hasn't been without its challenges, especially for corporate IT departments. However, Microsoft has offered an extended support option, providing a temporary solution for those who need more time. Home users, on the other hand, have until October 26 to register for extended support and back up their PCs in the Microsoft cloud, ensuring they receive security updates until October 2026.
And this is the part most people miss: the rise of neural processing units (NPU) in PCs. These powerful units are designed to run artificial intelligence (AI) workloads locally, reducing our reliance on cloud-based AI acceleration. Imagine having smart capabilities right at your fingertips, from noise-canceling webcam microphones to improved video conference call backgrounds. But is it enough to convince users to upgrade to AI PCs?
At the Build 2025 conference, Microsoft aimed to convince developers that incorporating AI functionality into their applications is the way forward. With the introduction of Windows ML, an AI inference engine in Windows 11, developers now have access to a powerful tool that can be trained on custom data. This opens up a world of possibilities for AI-infused PC applications, which are expected to flourish in 2026.
Now, let's dive into Computer Weekly's top 10 AI stories of 2025:
US Tariffs Drive PC Sales Boost: The end of Windows 10 support and new tariffs have created a perfect storm, driving PC purchases and refreshes. Manufacturers are rushing to deliver PCs to the US market, anticipating the impact of initial tariff announcements.
Tech Journalist Experiments with AI on a PC: Free AI tools like Google Gemma, Meta Llama, Mistral, and DeepSeek are changing the game. We explore the technical feasibility of using these tools on personal machines and assess the quality of their output.
Windows 10 End of Support: Time to Go Virtual? With Windows 10 no longer supported, IT leaders must consider the fate of devices still running this operating system. Stranded Windows 10 boxes and legacy applications could become easy targets for hackers, so mitigation strategies are crucial.
Microsoft at 50: Enterprise IT for the Masses: Before the web era, Microsoft defined the PC era and opened up computing for all. From complex, expensive machines to accessible personal computers, Microsoft's impact on the industry is undeniable.
Toyota Transforms Digital Employee Experience: Toyota is revolutionizing its IT support system by implementing Nexthink's DEX technology. Instead of relying on traditional helpdesk tickets, Toyota's staff now benefit from proactive IT issue detection and resolution, improving their digital employee experience.
Warranty Fraud Fuels Hardware Hackers: Widespread warranty fraud isn't just a financial burden for companies; it's creating a breeding ground for advanced hardware exploits. In Shenzhen, China, a bustling market of hardware tinkerers is gaining a deep understanding of hardware vulnerabilities, putting them in a unique position to exploit manufacturing defects.
IT Departments Face Windows 10 Support Bill: As Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life, organizations must purchase Extended Support (ESU) contracts to receive Microsoft patches. Gartner analyst Ranjit Atwal warns that there will be no more bug fixes or performance enhancements, leaving businesses with a tough decision to make.
PC Makers Showcase AI PC Efforts at CES: Leading PC makers are showcasing their AI-powered PCs at CES, aiming to boost office productivity. These devices are packed with memory and powerful AI acceleration hardware, offering a glimpse into the future of computing.
Windows 10 Extended Support Upgrade Program Explained: Gartner provides insights into how IT leaders can manage their migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using the Microsoft ESU program. However, it's important to note that ESU does not provide complete patching, leaving some vulnerabilities unaddressed.
Brits Clinging to Windows 10 Face Heightened Risk: The NCSC warns that businesses and consumers who choose to stick with Windows 10 as it approaches end-of-life are putting their security at risk. The NCSC has released updated recommended configuration packs for Windows 10 to help organizations deploy recommended baselines quickly.
These stories highlight the exciting and challenging landscape of end-user computing in 2025. As we navigate this digital transformation, it's essential to stay informed and adapt to the changing technologies. What are your thoughts on these developments? Do you think the benefits of AI PCs outweigh the challenges of upgrading? Share your insights in the comments below!
