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Windows 10 Support Cutoff Triggers PC Refresh, Lifts Mac Sales

Counterpoint data indicate the Windows 10 cutoff is driving a replacement cycle that is lifting PC shipments.

Overview

  • Global PC shipments rose 8.1% year over year in Q3 2025, according to Counterpoint Research.
  • Apple’s Mac shipments increased 14.9% in the quarter as some Windows 10 users opted for Macs instead of moving to Windows 11 PCs.
  • Lenovo led vendor growth at about 17.4%, with Asus up 14.1% and HP up 10.3%, while Dell declined roughly 0.9%.
  • Analysts point to Windows 11 hardware requirements and the end-of-support deadline as primary catalysts, with some inventory adjustments linked to U.S. tariff concerns.
  • Microsoft is offering a one-year Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 through October 13, 2026, and researchers expect an AI-PC growth phase after 2026 as new chips arrive.