Windows 11 Upgrades Stall as PC Shipments Slide 21% on Chip and RAM Costs
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Nov 2
Windows 11 Upgrades Stall as PC Shipments Slide 21% on Chip and RAM Costs
1 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Nov 2
Summary
Windows 11 adoption has flattened after an early-2026 surge, with its share slipping to 71.5% in September from 72.57% in February as buyers delay replacing pricier PCs.
High CPU prices and a memory crunch are keeping PC costs elevated, and analysts say relief is unlikely before 2028 or 2029 because AI-driven data-center demand is absorbing memory supply.
Microsoft’s Windows revenue from PC makers fell 27% in its latest quarter, while vendors are still carrying unsold inventory after last year’s Windows 10 end-of-support upgrade rush faded.
PC shipments rose 3.2% in the first quarter on pre-buying, then fell 4% in the second and 21% in the third; Counterpoint expects a 27% year-over-year drop in Q4 2026.
Enterprises still must replace aging Windows 10 machines, but many are hesitating over expensive AI PCs, setting up a potentially larger rebound once component prices finally ease.