As we look ahead to 2026, the structure of IT support will likely shift. The next few years promise both big opportunities and significant challenges in the IT community. Here are the key trends we think IT support firms and companies should watch and prepare for.
One of the biggest things we will see in 2026 is the rise of AI in enterprise settings. Many businesses have already embraced AI, but 2026 is shaping up to be the year where AI moves, if managed well, from early experiments to fully integrated capabilities.
For IT support firms, this means it may be time to rethink how you deliver value. In 2026, it may no longer be enough just to add small bits of automation to old processes. The companies that will stand out are the ones that will help clients use AI in practical, everyday tasks. The real value will come from using these tools to respond faster, spot issues earlier, and give clients clearer insights. AI only works well when it’s built on good data, thoughtful planning, and proper training, so IT support teams will play a key role in guiding businesses through that process.
Another current issue we see carrying over into 2025: memory shortages. DDR4 and DDR5 memory (and other related components) are currently in short supply, driven by high demand from AI data centers and major shifts in supply priorities. This shortage is projected to hit its peak in 2026.
The result? Higher prices for PCs, laptops, servers, and by extension, any IT project that involves hardware refresh or expansion. What does this mean for IT support providers? Budgets are going to be tighter, hardware refresh cycles might stretch, and clients may weigh hardware upgrades differently.
In 2025, we saw major outages hit some of the biggest providers, causing global internet crashes. For businesses, this raises questions about the risks of centralizing too much infrastructure with too few companies. When companies this large go down, it reminds everyone how much we rely on just a handful of providers to keep everything running. It’s causing many businesses to rethink whether putting “all their eggs in one basket” is still the safest or smartest approach.
For IT support firms, this could mean more clients asking for stronger backup options and smarter ways to spread their systems across multiple platforms so they’re not dependent on a single provider. More businesses will be asking questions like, “If one major cloud service goes down, how do we keep our business running?”, and it will be the job of IT support firms to help them stay protected and resilient.
It is possible by 2026 that we’ll see a new Windows upgrade. If this does happen, it will bring new features, new requirements, and changes to how computers need to be set up. For IT support companies, this means staying prepared, testing the new system early, and making sure older computers can handle it.
With computer hardware becoming more expensive and AI features requiring stronger machines, many businesses should be cautious about upgrading the right way. That’s where IT support teams come in: helping clients decide if they should upgrade, when to do it, and how to make the switch without disruptions.
Help clients plan ahead, not just fix current problems.
IT support won’t just be about repairing things when they break. Clients will need guidance on how to prepare for AI, hardware shortages, and new software updates.
Build systems that can handle surprises.
More businesses will want backup plans and ways to avoid relying on just one provider. IT support teams will need to spend time helping clients stay safe, stable, and flexible.
Focus on training and good data habits.
As AI becomes more common, the “people” side matters too. New technology only works well if the employees using it feel comfortable with it. IT support teams will play a role in training staff, answering questions, and helping businesses keep their data organized so AI tools can do their job properly.
