Dell warns some customers could miss upgrade deadline

Nov 28, 2019 11:20 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft will discontinue Windows 7 in January next year, so everybody expects an upgrade super-cycle, especially in the case of enterprises that move entire fleets of devices to Windows 10.

But according to Dell, the Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade pace is likely to be impacted by the Intel chip delays, with some companies expected to continue the move to the new operating system through 2020.

Intel has recently apologized for the CPU shipment delays, explaining that it has already adjusted production and is currently working with partners to bring more chips to the market as soon as possible.

“I’d like to acknowledge and sincerely apologize for the impact recent PC CPU shipment delays are having on your business and to thank you for your continued partnership. I also want to update you on our actions and investments to improve supply-demand balance and support you with performance-leading Intel products. Despite our best efforts, we have not yet resolved this challenge,” Intel Executive VP and GM of Sales, Marketing, and Communications, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, said.

The upgrade struggle

Dell says the chip delays has impacted its shipments and the problem is likely to continue in the coming months.

“Intel CPU shortages have worsened quarter-over-quarter and the shortages are now impacting our commercial PC and premium consumer PC Q4 forecasted shipments,” Jeffrey Clarke, Dell vice-chairman, products and operations, explained during the company’s latest earnings report.

“History would suggest that if we can’t fulfil demand in the industry, then we will see it spill over into the coming calendar year, particularly with Windows 10,” Dell chief financial officer Thomas Sweet added.

Windows 7 is currently the world’s second most-used desktop operating system, and despite the declining market share, the pace at which customers upgrade to Windows 10 is still not good enough for the entire userbase to meet the January 14 deadline.

However, what’s worth mentioning is that not all devices require hardware upgrades. Windows 7 and Windows 10 share almost the same system requirements, so a device that’s able to run Windows 7 flawlessly should experience no issues with Windows 10 whatsoever.