Productivity reimagined: How AI-ready devices are changing the way we work

Windows 10 support ends on 14 October 2025. But this isn’t just about what’s going away; it’s about what’s possible when you upgrade. For small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), modern devices don’t just run faster. They help your team work smarter, with built-in AI tools that save time, reduce friction, and unlock new ways to get things done.

If your business runs lean, every minute matters. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro PCs with Intel vPro® devices and Copilot+ PCs with Intel® Core™ Ultra for your power users gives your team the speed, battery life, and AI features they need to stay in flow—without waiting on IT.

The slowdown you don’t need

Older PCs aren’t just slower; they’re holding your team back. According to Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, 64% of employees say they struggle with having enough time or energy to do their job. And when devices lag, meetings drag, and multitasking becomes a mess, productivity takes a hit.

What are the upsides you will feel when you upgrade, especially in a busy SMB?

• Speed your team notices: Windows 11 pro powered by Intel vPro devices deliver up to 50% faster workflows and complete demanding tasks ~42% faster than typical Windows 10-era machines
• Battery life that lasts: Copilot+ PCs with Intel Core Ultra inside offer up to 22 hours of local video playback and 15 hours of web browsing, ideal for hybrid work
• AI that actually helps: Built-in tools like Recall (preview), Click to Do, and improved search help users summarise, organise, and find what they need—without constant roundtrips to the cloud
• Better meetings, less fatigue: Windows Studio Effects improve video calls with automatic framing, natural eye contact, and noise suppression

“We’re productive enough” objections, addressed

“We don’t need AI”? You might not need it until you try it. 85% of organisations say AI gives them a competitive edge, and 79% report a 3.5x return on AI investments.

On the other hand, if you are “already using AI tools” to boost productivity without IT oversight, remember that these are often consumer-grade and unsecured. Transitioning to Microsoft Copilot ensures your team enjoys the benefits of AI with enterprise-grade security, compliance, and integration across Microsoft 365. It’s productivity without the risk.

If your team objects to change, saying “we’re used to what we have”, assure them that familiar tools, broad app compatibility, and cloud provisioning mean your team can upgrade without disruption. And if you feel you are “too busy to switch”, start with a pilot group. Windows 11 supports in-place upgrades and ringed deployments, so you don’t need a full shutdown to get started.

Still think your “current PCs are still good”? Older PCs are more susceptible to security incidents. Besides, new PCs will increase efficiency gains, especially for security teams.

Your quick productivity checklist

Not sure where to start? We’ve put together a checklist to help you. Always remember that it is important to keep it simple.

• CPU: Latest Intel® Core™ with vPro® and Intel® Core™ Ultra (look for NPU support for Copilot+)
• Memory/Storage: 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD for most users.
• Battery: Long battery life with fast charging.
• Collaboration: Webcam, dual mics, and Wi-Fi 6E or 7.
• AI features: Recall, Click to Do, and Windows Studio Effects.
• Best AI experience: Intel’s CPU, GPU, and NPU provide three engines for Al acceleration, powering Copilot+ experiences; Intel supports 500+ AI models and provides developers with leading tools and AI developer kits, enhancing experiences for commercial customers.

Need to get your CFO on board? Lead with these two points:

1. If a device saves just 10 minutes a day, that’s ~40 hours a year per employee—nearly a full work week.
2. Faster workflows and fewer delays mean real savings in time, energy, and output.

Bottom line

The Windows 10 deadline is coming, but the real story is what comes next. Move to Windows 11 Pro with Intel vPro® (and Copilot+ PCs with Intel® Core™ Ultra where it counts) and you’ll get faster machines, smarter tools, and AI that helps your team do more—with less effort.

The smartest SMBs won’t wait for the deadline—they’ll upgrade now and bank the upside.