In 2024, tech leaders are pushing the idea that artificial intelligence can help employees work better and faster. We’re seeing a wave of “copilots” designed to boost productivity and automate everyday tasks. Large language models (LLMs) can do things like generate content, take meeting notes, and summarize lengthy documents, making our work lives smoother and less tedious.
To support these new tools, the IT sector is focusing on AI at the edge, meaning we’re now running AI directly on PCs and mobile devices. Microsoft has rolled out a new line of PCs called Copilot+, designed with neural processing units (NPUs) to handle some AI tasks locally. While these began with ARM-based systems, Intel and AMD are catching up and will likely continue to innovate in 2025.
However, some experts question the need for businesses to upgrade to these machines. Since the pandemic, PC sales have dropped significantly. Many companies only invest in new devices when their current systems are outdated or unsupported. With Windows 10’s support ending on October 14, 2025, some IT departments may decide to upgrade to AI-enabled PCs as they shift to Windows 11.
AI is also making strides in desktop IT support. Users can now ask natural language questions to access a wealth of knowledge from IT support archives, helping them troubleshoot PC problems. Additionally, devices can run agent software that gathers health data, which can support machine learning algorithms for predictive maintenance—keeping PCs in peak condition.
As budgets tighten, many businesses are turning to second-hand equipment instead of new purchases. While this approach may not suit everyone, it offers cost-effective options, often providing superior hardware at lower prices.
For organizations that need PCs for specific tasks, like call centers, Microsoft has introduced the affordable $349 Windows Link device. It’s a simplified, thin client that boots directly into the Microsoft Cloud. Such devices may become a common choice as businesses look to cut IT maintenance costs and reduce cybersecurity risks.
To explore more on these topics, check out Computer Weekly’s top 10 articles related to end user computing. They cover everything from running AI on different hardware architectures, environmental sustainability in endpoint devices, to insights from experts at tech conferences and the impact of market fluctuations on pricing.