Why Shorter Refresh Cycles Are Becoming the Norm in 2026

If your business still expects laptops and desktops to last four or five years, 2026 is challenging that assumption. 

With the end of Windows 10 support, the rise of AI‑powered devices, and growing security and sustainability pressures, companies are updating hardware more frequently than ever. 

Refresh cycles of 24-36 months, and sometimes as short as 12-24 months for certain teams, are quickly becoming the new standard.

Here’s why.

1. Windows 10’s End of Support is Still Creating a Ripple Effect

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. While devices running Windows 10 may still work, they no longer receive security updates, which leaves organisations vulnerable. 

This pushed many companies to upgrade throughout 2025, and the transition is continuing well into 2026 as businesses replace ageing hardware rather than rely on temporary (and costly) Extended Security Updates.

Industry reports throughout 2025 showed an increase in new PC purchases directly linked to the move away from Windows 10 and toward Windows 11. 

The message is clear: keeping older devices isn’t just inconvenient, it’s risky and expensive.

Helpful links on our site:

• Windows 10 End of Life explained
• Preparing your Business for the End of Windows 10

2. AI PCs are Becoming the New Standard for Business

AI‑ready devices are no longer a specialist purchase, they’re quickly becoming the default. Analysts projected around 78 million AI PCs shipped in 2025, with more than half of all PCs expected to be AI‑enabled by 2026. 

These devices include built‑in AI accelerators (NPUs), which power tools like Microsoft Copilot, real‑time translation, creative design features, etc,. 

What this means for refresh cycles:

• Older devices simply can’t run modern AI workloads effectively.
• Software developers are optimising more apps for on‑device AI, making newer hardware even more valuable.
• Nearly half of enterprise buyers say they’re willing to shorten refresh cycles if AI tools can boost productivity enough to justify the cost.

If your teams rely on collaboration, content creation, analysis, or admin-heavy tasks, an AI PC can save hours each week, which naturally encourages more frequent upgrades.

Read our blog: Copilot+ PCs vs AI PCs

3. Modern Security Threats Demand Modern Devices

Cyberattacks have grown more advanced, and older hardware struggles to keep up. 

Today’s business laptops include stronger, hardware‑level protections such as improved encryption, safer firmware, and more reliable connectivity features. These upgrades greatly reduce the risk of breaches, especially in hybrid or remote teams.

Simply put: updating your operating system is no longer enough. Security now relies on the hardware too, and that’s a major reason organisations aren’t waiting as long between refreshes.

4. Sustainability Regulations Support Planned Refresh Cycles

Across Europe, new and upcoming regulations encourage repairability, responsible disposal, and transparent lifecycle management. From 2026 onwards, the EU is increasing expectations for how companies manage devices, focusing on repairs, recycling, and reducing electronic waste.

This doesn’t mean replacing devices recklessly. Instead, it encourages businesses to adopt structured, predictable refresh cycles where devices are:

• Repaired when appropriate
• Redeployed internally
• Collected, wiped, and recycled responsibly at end‑of‑life

This aligns well with subscription‑based lifecycle services like DaaS (Device as a Service), which manage the entire process for you.

5. Shorter Refresh Cycles Can Save Money, Not Cost More

Keeping devices for too long seems cost‑effective, but often the opposite is true. Older devices slow down staff, generate more IT tickets, require more repairs, and carry a greater security risk. Because of this, many companies now find a 2-3‑year cycle offers better overall value.

Moving to an OPEX model like DaaS makes the cost predictable. You pay a single monthly fee that includes the device, support, accidental damage cover (optional), and refresh upgrades, helping avoid unexpected repair or replacement costs.

What a Good Refresh Strategy Looks Like in 2026

1. Refresh Based On User Needs

• Power users / AI-heavy roles: every 12–24 months
• General staff: every 24–36 months
• Low-intensity roles: up to 36 months

2. Standardise On AI‑capable Hardware

Choose laptops with modern CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs so your teams can take advantage of the growing range of AI‑powered tools.

3. Complete the Windows 10 Transition

Avoid long-term ESU costs and reduce risk by moving users fully to Windows 11‑ready hardware.

4. Use Lifecycle Services

Zero‑touch deployment, device monitoring, fast swaps, and secure data wiping reduce downtime and support workload.

5. Build Sustainability into the Process

Use certified recycling, redeployment, and repair programmes to keep your refresh cycle responsible and compliant.

Learn more about our Carbon Offset Service here. 

Common Questions Businesses Ask

Isn’t refreshing every two or three years too expensive?

Not when you consider productivity, support costs, and reduced downtime. The gains from newer hardware, and especially from AI tools, often outweigh the cost difference.

How do we prove the benefit of AI PCs?

Start with a small pilot group, measure time saved on tasks like email drafting, meeting notes, content creation, or analysis, and compare before and after. Most companies see clear improvements.

What about e‑waste?

Using a service like Boomerang ensures every device is collected, securely wiped, repurposed, or recycled properly.

Final Thoughts

Shorter refresh cycles aren’t a trend, they’re a practical response to how modern work now operates. 

With Windows 10 behind us, AI PCs on the rise, and security and sustainability top of mind, updating devices every 2–3 years simply makes sense. Businesses adopting this approach in 2026 will gain speed, security, and reliability, without unpredictable IT costs.

If you’d like help planning a refresh cycle, choosing AI‑ready devices, or switching to a 12–24 month DaaS model, our team is here to help. Contact us today!