Microsoft’s recent end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 has catalyzed a notable surge in global PC shipments, with a reported year-over-year increase of 8.2% in the third quarter of 2025, as detailed in a Gartner report released on Thursday. This uptick saw worldwide PC shipments surpass 69 million units during the quarter.
While the impending October 14 deadline prompted many users to upgrade their systems, North America experienced a modest growth of only 1.6% year over year. The region’s vendors had previously stockpiled inventory in response to tariff threats, which left little room for expansion as the year drew to a close.
Geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges have not only influenced shipment growth in North America but have also tempered consumer demand. Gartner Research Principal Rishi Padhi noted that consumers are exercising caution, often delaying their PC purchases.
Dive Insight:
The increase in global PC shipments occurs amidst a significant industry shift towards AI-optimized devices, aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. Although tariffs have posed obstacles to this transition in 2025, HP reported an unexpected rise in AI PC shipments for the three-month period ending July 31. Major PC manufacturers, including HP, Intel, and Lenovo, are responding to growing enterprise demand by integrating AI features into their products.
Enterprises are increasingly gravitating towards PCs equipped with integrated neural processing units, which facilitate on-device AI capabilities. Padhi shared that Gartner anticipates the AI PC segment will expand to 31% of total shipments in 2025, a significant increase from 15% in 2024, reflecting a shift in market priorities and innovation.
Despite the rising interest in AI PCs, many enterprises face challenges in transitioning to Windows 11. A recent Omdia report revealed that only 39% of surveyed respondents indicated that their customers’ PCs had been refreshed or upgraded. Additionally, 18% of respondents plan to continue using Windows 10 beyond the October 14 end-of-support deadline, likely opting for Microsoft’s paid program for extended security updates. This represents a substantial user base that will require transition support.
The landscape of global PC vendors remains stable, with the top five—Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, and ASUS—showing consistent performance year over year. All five vendors reported increased shipments, with Lenovo leading the pack at an impressive 16.6% growth rate.
As demand for upgrades spills into the fourth quarter and beyond, industry leaders are revising their product roadmaps to stimulate PC purchases. Omdia Research Director Ishan Dutt emphasized that new product launches will likely feature on-device AI as a central theme as the industry heads into 2026, following a relatively subdued 2025.
In a recent announcement, Microsoft revealed plans to transform Windows 11 PCs into AI-capable devices by incorporating Copilot, its advanced AI assistant. Meanwhile, Apple introduced its new MacBook Pro, powered by the M5 chip, designed to enhance AI workflows.
Disclosure: Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind CIO Dive, is also invested in Omdia. Informa has no influence over CIO Dive’s coverage.
