For many businesses, the last two years have been dominated by a single IT project: moving away from Windows 10.
Devices were refreshed, budgets were approved, and Windows 11 became the standard across the organisation.
Job done. Or is it?
Now that the Windows 10 deadline has passed, many businesses are discovering that operating system upgrades were only part of the challenge. The bigger question is what comes next.
The next IT bottleneck isn’t Windows. It’s your hardware lifecycle strategy.
The Device Market Has Become More Volatile
Historically, replacing business PCs was fairly predictable.
A laptop purchased for £700 this year would probably cost around the same next year. Hardware performance steadily improved whilst prices remained relatively stable.
That market has changed dramatically.
Memory manufacturers have shifted significant production capacity towards AI infrastructure and data centre demand, resulting in substantial increases in DRAM and NAND pricing across the technology industry. Analysts are warning that memory shortages and elevated pricing may continue for several years.
The result?
- Higher laptop prices
- Higher desktop prices
- Higher server costs
- More aggressive vendor lead times
- Less predictable budgeting
Businesses that delayed Windows 11 refresh projects are already seeing some of these increases appear in current device pricing.
Waiting May Not Save Money
When hardware prices rise, it’s natural to ask: Should we wait for the market to settle down?
Possibly. But there is another risk.
Many organisations are now sitting on devices that are already four or five years old following the Windows 11 refresh cycle. Waiting another year could mean facing:
- Increased hardware failures
- Warranty expirations
- Battery degradation
- Reduced employee productivity
- Security concerns
Meanwhile, there is no guarantee that prices will return to previous levels anytime soon. Industry forecasts suggest memory supply constraints may continue well into 2027 and beyond as manufacturers prioritise AI-focused technologies and enterprise demand.
In other words, waiting could simply mean paying more later whilst operating older equipment for longer.
Why a Hardware Lifecycle Strategy Matters
The businesses that manage technology most effectively rarely replace everything at once.
Instead, they adopt a structured approach.
A sensible hardware lifecycle strategy typically includes:
Identifying Devices by Age
Know which devices are:
- Under 3 years old
- Between 3 and 5 years old
- Over 5 years old
This provides immediate visibility into future replacement requirements.
Budgeting Annually
Rather than facing a six-figure refresh every few years, spread investment across multiple financial periods.
Predictable spending is almost always easier than emergency spending.
Prioritising Business-Critical Users
Not every employee requires the latest hardware.
Focus first on:
- Power users
- Managers
- Customer-facing staff
- Users experiencing performance issues
Monitoring Failure Trends
A device doesn’t suddenly become old overnight.
Increasing support tickets, battery failures and performance complaints often indicate that hardware has reached the end of its productive life.
The Rise of AI PCs Creates Another Decision
Just as businesses were getting comfortable with Windows 11, hardware manufacturers introduced another conversation.
AI-enabled PCs.
The reality is that most organisations do not need to rush into a complete AI PC refresh programme today.
However, businesses should consider whether future device purchases are aligned with Microsoft’s long-term roadmap, particularly around Copilot, local AI processing and enhanced security capabilities.
For most organisations, the answer is not to replace everything immediately.
It is to ensure that new purchases support future requirements.
The Smart Strategy for 2026 and Beyond
Our advice is simple.
Don’t panic buy.
Don’t stop buying either.
Instead:
- Replace genuinely ageing devices
- Build a rolling replacement programme
- Budget for ongoing refreshes
- Standardise hardware where possible
- Plan three years ahead rather than three months ahead
The organisations that fare best during volatile markets are usually the ones with a plan.
Final Thoughts
Windows 10 may have dominated the IT conversation, but it was only a milestone.
The next challenge is ensuring that your devices remain secure, reliable and cost-effective in an increasingly unpredictable hardware market.
The businesses that treat device replacement as a continuous process rather than a once-in-a-decade project will be in a much stronger position regardless of what happens to hardware pricing next.
Need help building a hardware lifecycle strategy?
Core Team One helps businesses plan device refresh programmes, manage Windows 11 estates and develop long-term technology roadmaps that avoid nasty surprises and unexpected costs.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your device lifecycle plans.
