A “Windows refresh” is going to bring better PC sales in 2024, Intel CFO David Zinsner believes. At a conference in early September held by financial firm Citi, he suggested that many client PCs are old enough to be in need of replacement.
Zinsner explained Intel’s current state of affairs during a Q&A session, including CEO Pat Gelsinger’s policies. Much has already changed under Gelsinger’s leadership, including siphoning off divisions that were not central to the company’s core offerings. However, like other major players, Intel is also suffering from a sharp decline in PC sales over the past two years. Nevertheless, Zinsner expressed his optimism for the near future. “We actually think ’24 is going to be a pretty good year for client, in particular, because of the Windows refresh. And we still think that the installed base is pretty old and does require a refresh and we think next year maybe the start of that, given the Windows catalyst. So we’re optimistic about how things will play out beginning in ’24.”
Earlier signs, AI on the way
Zinsner’s suggestion isn’t the only one of its kind with regard to 2024. Previously, IDC similarly predicted that PC purchases are set to pick up by next year. Outlets are not yet confident enough about their financial situation to make substantial investments. IDC researchers also stated that new technologies such as AI need to be implemented to make the purchase of new hardware more attractive.
Tip: ‘PC market grows again in 2024, but need to get ready for AI’
What’s new about this is that we have not seen a comment like Zinsner’s about a Windows refresh before. Although rumours surrounding Windows 12 have been around for some time, Intel’s CFO is a lot more specific about “the” Windows refresh coming up. With Windows 11, Microsoft introduced many AI features. Windows 12 is then set to focus much more on AI as a bedrock to the OS. Starting later this year, new Intel hardware will ensure that running this locally should be a lot more feasible.
Incidentally, HP recently unveiled yet another approach to providing PCs for organizations: a massive refurbish program. By equipping older computers with some new components, another department within a company could still get by with previously purchased PCs, for example.
Also read: HP launches refurbishment program for business PCs
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