The PC market faced challenges in 2023, but a resurgence is now underway thanks to various factors, with the end-of-life for Windows 10 playing a significant role.
According to Canalys, the transition to Windows 11 PCs is driving new sales, with the U.S. PC market growing by 5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2024. This growth is expected to continue, reaching 78 million units by 2025.
Analyst Greg Davis notes that both consumer and commercial sectors are contributing to this growth, with small and medium businesses leading the way in PC shipments. The anticipated refresh prompted by the end-of-life for Windows 10 is driving this positive outlook for the market.
Looking Towards the Future
The industry is banking on the end of Windows 10 to fuel a surge in PC upgrades, a trend that is already evident in the current growth. With Windows 10 reaching its end-of-life in October 2025, users are expected to make the switch to newer devices in the coming years.
Aside from the Windows 10 transition, the introduction of new chips from Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel is also driving growth. These chips promise enhanced efficiency and AI features that are expected to attract users to upgrade their devices.
Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC program is at the forefront of this momentum, with the first laptops under this initiative already available for purchase.
While the ultimate impact of these developments remains to be seen, the growth seen in the first quarter of 2024 is certainly a positive sign for the industry.
