What’s Next for End-User Computing? 5 Trends to Watch in 2025

With Windows 10 support ending in October and browser-first work overtaking traditional desktop apps, organisations face growing pressure to modernise how they deliver workspaces, without inflating cost or risk. Worldwide spending on end-user computing (EUC) is projected to reach £23.1 billion by 2032, and EUC services alone are forecasted to generate £74 billion in revenue by 2033. Yet many IT teams say their EUC environments are complex, under-optimised and increasingly difficult to manage.

As hybrid work becomes the default, the role of EUC is shifting, and getting it wrong could mean higher spend, lower productivity and growing friction between IT and the people they support. Understanding the key end-user computing trends in 2025 is essential for businesses to navigate these challenges and stay ahead.

What is End-User Computing?

End-user computing (EUC) is the layer of IT that connects people to the tools they need to do their jobs; desktops, apps, files and support. It includes everything from cloud PCs and virtual desktops to device management, app delivery and performance monitoring.

From virtual desktops to AI agents, here are five trends reshaping how businesses think about EUC and where forward-thinking IT leaders are focusing their energy in 2025:

Virtual Desktops and Cloud PCs Go Mainstream

Cloud-based desktops are becoming the preferred choice for businesses adapting to new work styles and technology changes. Services like Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and Windows 365 let employees securely access their desktops from any device, while IT teams can easily manage performance, security, and setup. As Windows 10 approaches end-of-life in October 2025, virtual desktops offer a clear route to modernisation, removing hardware dependencies, streamlining onboarding and standardising environments. Businesses that delay this adoption risk operational disruption, costly hardware refreshes and mounting technical debt across the endpoint estate.

Also read: Windows 10 End-of-Life: 5-Step Plan to a Seamless Windows 11 Migration

Digital Experience (DEX) Becomes a Strategic Priority

As digital tools become central to how employees work, measuring how well IT performs from the user’s perspective is now essential to EUC success. DEX platforms give IT visibility into how systems perform in practice, from slow logins to application crashes, and highlight where improvements are needed. Businesses that prioritise DEX will be able to:

• Spot and resolve issues before they impact users
• Reduce service desk volumes and response times
• Demonstrate clear ROI from their technology stack

Without this adoption, businesses risk increased downtime, rising support costs and declining employee productivity; all of which directly impact service delivery and bottom-line performance.

Modern Application Delivery Reduces Complexity

Application deployment has long been one of the most time-consuming and rigid elements of end-user computing. That’s changing. With technologies like App Attach and FlexApp, IT teams can now deploy and update applications independently of the operating system, making environments more agile and less prone to disruption. It also means fewer full system rebuilds and smoother updates with less effort. Organisations still relying on legacy app packaging and manual rollouts risk slower change cycles, rising support workloads and growing user frustration, especially as systems scale and evolve.

AI Agents Are Becoming Part of the Workspace

AI is no longer limited to analytics and automation platforms, it’s now becoming embedded in the digital workspace itself. Intelligent agents are being used to automate repetitive tasks, guide users through troubleshooting and deliver personalised support at scale, based on role, usage patterns and intent. This shift enables IT to enhance responsiveness while reducing the workload on service desk teams. However, without a clear AI governance strategy, businesses risk an increase in Shadow AI, where employees use unapproved tools that compromise security, breach compliance policies, and leave IT unaware of what is truly happening across the estate.

Browser-First Working Is Redefining the Endpoint

The way work gets done has changed, and the browser has become the new workspace. SaaS platforms, collaboration tools and AI services are increasingly accessed through the browser, bypassing traditional desktop apps entirely. This shift allows IT to simplify endpoint management and focus on securing where work is actually happening.

A browser-first EUC strategy offers:

• Easier application access across devices and operating systems
• Lower support and maintenance overhead
• More consistent policy enforcement and user experience

Ignoring this trend means misaligned investment in outdated desktop environments, while losing visibility and control over the tools employees actually use every day; adding unnecessary cost, inefficiency and risk to the IT estate.

Build a Future-Ready EUC Strategy

EUC is no longer just about managing desktops and devices. In 2025, it’s about enabling performance, reducing complexity and keeping teams productive, wherever they work. To navigate this, businesses need to understand the key end-user computing trends in 2025 that are the future of digital workspaces; from virtual desktops and app delivery to AI and browser-first working. Embracing these trends helps reduce support burdens, improve security and stay ahead of user needs.

At Retail Assist, we help businesses move from reactive support to proactive EUC management. Whether you’re planning a Windows 11 migration, looking to simplify endpoint support, our EUC services help businesses cut operational costs and give employees the seamless, secure experience they expect.

Book a consultation to learn how we can help you put these end-user computing trends into action.