PC Shipments Surge Amid RAM Shortages

The global PC market experienced an unexpected surge in shipments during the fourth quarter of 2025, defying predictions of a turbulent year. According to data, shipments grew nearly 10 percent year-over-year, reaching 76.4 million units total.

Several factors contributed to this growth. The impending end of support for Windows 10 pushed consumers and businesses to upgrade their hardware. Additionally, PC manufacturers aggressively pulled forward inventory to combat potential tariffs and a global memory shortage. This shortage, specifically affecting RAM, prompted buyers to secure devices before prices potentially rose. Lenovo maintained its position as the top PC manufacturer worldwide during this period.

The PC market defied expectations during the recent holiday quarter, showing resilience against a backdrop of economic uncertainty. Shipments managed to exceed forecasts despite the industry bracing for a turbulent year ahead.

Specific data indicates that shipments grew nearly 10 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2025. The total volume reached 76.4 million units, marking a significant return to growth for the sector.

Lenovo continues to lead the market, holding the title of the top PC manufacturer worldwide. The company's performance aligns with the broader industry trend of increased shipments during this period.

Multiple factors converged to drive the unexpected increase in PC demand. The market dynamics shifted as both consumers and manufacturers reacted to upcoming changes in software support and hardware availability.

The end of Windows 10 support undoubtedly served as a major catalyst. This milestone prompted a wave of hardware upgrades as users sought to ensure compatibility with newer operating systems and maintain security standards.

Furthermore, manufacturers engaged in strategic inventory management. PC makers aggressively pulled forward inventory to combat two specific threats:

• Potential tariffs that could increase costs
• The global memory shortage affecting component availability

These preemptive measures ensured that supply remained available to meet the rising demand.

The global memory shortage played a pivotal role in shaping buyer behavior in late 2025. While the holiday season traditionally drives stronger consumer demand, the surge was amplified significantly by emerging supply constraints.

As RAM shortages became apparent, buyers and brands moved quickly to secure inventory. The fear of rising prices or lack of availability led to a pull-forward effect, where purchases that might have occurred later in the year happened immediately.

According to reports, this dynamic created a feedback loop:

1. Shortages were identified in the memory market
2. Brands accelerated purchasing to secure stock
3. Consumers followed suit to beat potential price hikes
4. Total shipments increased significantly

This reaction highlights how sensitive the PC market is to component availability.

Despite the strong finish to 2025, the industry remains cautious about the immediate future. The market is currently bracing for a turbulent year ahead, suggesting that the Q4 surge may be an anomaly rather than a new trend.

The aggressive inventory pulling seen in late 2025 may have cannibalized sales from future quarters. If manufacturers and consumers bought devices earlier than planned to avoid shortages or tariffs, demand in subsequent months could soften.

However, the underlying demand for hardware upgrades due to the Windows 10 transition remains a factor. The market will likely stabilize as it navigates the balance between these countervailing forces in the coming months.