
Global PC shipments have accelerated significantly as users prepare to upgrade to Windows 11. According to IDC, PC shipments reached 75.9 million units in the third quarter of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 9.4%. Experts attribute this growth to the active replacement of older Windows 10 systems as Windows 10 approaches the end of its support lifecycle.
IDC noted that demand for device upgrades has become a major driver of sales, with many users and companies looking to upgrade to more modern models compatible with Windows 11.
Computer upgrades have been particularly active in Japan, where the transition to Windows 11 coincides with the implementation of the GIGA Project education program, which provides modern technology to schools.
IDC predicts that the PC upgrade trend will continue until 2026, when businesses and consumers will finally transition away from Windows 10. Analysts believe that widespread hardware upgrades will have a long-term impact on the industry, and the transition to Windows 11 will be the largest driver of PC sales in recent years.