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Windows 10 Cutoff Lifts PC Market as Macs Surge and Lenovo Leads

Counterpoint links the Q3 uptick to end‑of‑support upgrades, with a larger AI‑PC wave expected after 2026.

Overview

  • Microsoft ended routine Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, and is offering free Extended Security Updates through October 13, 2026.
  • Global PC shipments rose 8.1% year over year in Q3 2025, driven by Windows 10 end‑of‑life and inventory moves tied to evolving U.S. import tariffs.
  • Lenovo led vendor gains at about 17.4% growth, Apple’s Mac shipments climbed 14.9%, Asus grew 14.1%, HP rose 10.3%, and Dell slipped 0.9%, with the top five makers accounting for roughly three‑quarters of shipments.
  • Counterpoint reports some buyers chose Macs instead of upgrading to Windows 11 PCs during the refresh cycle.
  • Nearly 40% of PCs were still on Windows 10 earlier in 2025, and analysts say the current lift is migration‑driven with AI‑capable PCs projected to ramp after 2026.