76.4 Million Units Shipped: Why the PC Market Surge in Q4 2025 Isn't What It Seems

The PC market's bracing for a bumpy ride, yet it just pulled off a surprise sprint. IDC reports that global shipments grew nearly 10 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, hitting a total of 76.4 million units. Lenovo remains the world's top manufacturer, benefiting from a holiday quarter that defied grim earlier forecasts.

Driven by Tariffs and Windows 10: PC Market Shipments Q4 2025

This isn't just a story of consumers rushing to buy new laptops. Microsoft's decision to end Windows 10 support definitely played a role in upgrading office fleets. However, as noted by The Verge, a more calculated move was at play: brands were aggressively "pulling forward" inventory to dodge potential tariffs and a looming global memory shortage.

The surge in late 2025 was amplified by these emerging shortages, which forced buyers and brands to secure stock before prices spiked. While the numbers look healthy, they reflect a defensive strategy against macroeconomic instability rather than a purely organic rise in consumer demand.