Global PC Shipments Grew 9.1 Percent in 2025
The personal computer industry experienced a welcome surge in 2025, with worldwide shipments climbing 9.1 percent over the previous year. Preliminary findings from Gartner reveal that more than 270 million units reached customers globally throughout the full year. The fourth quarter proved particularly strong, as vendors shipped 71.5 million PCs, reflecting a solid 9.3 percent increase from the same timeframe in 2024. This upward trend highlights a meaningful recovery for a market that had faced tough times recently.
Several key factors contributed to this positive performance across the year. Strong demand came from both consumers and businesses eager to upgrade their systems for Windows 11 compatibility. Many companies accelerated hardware refreshes to avoid rising costs tied to extended security updates for Windows 10. Uncertainties around tariffs and anticipated memory price hikes in the coming year also encouraged organizations to invest in new devices sooner rather than later.
Vendors placed heavy emphasis on promoting AI-capable PCs as part of the replacement wave. While these machines offer intriguing features like local processing for artificial intelligence tasks, most users have yet to see major productivity improvements compared to cloud-based options. Rishi Padhi, a research vice president at Gartner, noted that organizations often upgraded mainly to prepare for future advancements rather than immediate gains from AI tools. As a result, the focus remained on building a foundation for what’s ahead in technology.
The competitive landscape stayed remarkably stable among leading manufacturers. The top six vendors held their positions without significant shifts in the fourth quarter. Lenovo, HP Inc., and Dell Technologies stood out as the frontrunners, each expanding their market presence compared to the prior year. This consistency underscores the strength of established players in meeting renewed buyer interest.
Looking back provides helpful context for understanding this growth. The industry endured sharp declines in 2022 and 2023 due to various economic pressures and post-pandemic adjustments. Gains in 2024 were more modest, setting the stage for the robust rebound seen in 2025. The combination of necessary operating system transitions and proactive pushes toward innovative hardware clearly fueled the momentum.
Pricing dynamics added an interesting layer to the quarter’s results. Early enthusiasm drove solid sales, but toward the end, promotions and competitive pressures helped keep average selling prices steady or even slightly lower. Premium components for graphics and AI functions had pushed costs up initially, yet discounts balanced things out for buyers. This environment allowed more people and companies to access modern equipment without excessive strain on budgets.
Rishi Padhi pointed out that the fourth quarter maintained healthy expansion thanks to the ongoing Windows 11 upgrade cycle. He explained how demand softened a touch later on as those promotional efforts offset earlier price rises for advanced features. Overall, the market demonstrated resilience and adaptability in responding to evolving needs. Such insights from experts like Padhi help illustrate why the sector managed to thrive amid mixed signals.
This revival in PC shipments brings encouraging signs for everyone involved in technology, from manufacturers to everyday users. It reflects a return to growth after a prolonged period of caution and contraction. Businesses and individuals alike benefited from timely investments in refreshed systems. The emphasis on AI readiness, even if benefits are still emerging, positions the industry well for continued evolution.
As we reflect on these developments, the data paints a picture of an industry regaining its footing. The blend of practical necessities like OS upgrades and forward-looking innovations drove real progress. Manufacturers successfully navigated challenges to deliver what customers wanted. Moving forward, keeping an eye on how AI capabilities mature will be fascinating for tech followers.
What are your thoughts on the PC market’s comeback and the role of AI features in driving upgrades? Share them in the comments.
