PC shipments fell by around a fifth in the third quarter of 2026
Early analyst estimates suggest global PC shipments dropped about 20% year on year between July and September, with HP among the hardest hit.
Fewer new computers were shipped worldwide in the third quarter of 2026 than in the same period last year, according to early estimates from industry analysts. The figures point to a fall of roughly 20% year on year, with HP's shipments reportedly down by around 31%.
Why the drop?
Two factors stand out. The first is a tough comparison: the same months in 2025 were boosted by businesses and households replacing machines ahead of Windows 10's end of support. The second is cost. Memory prices have risen sharply over the past year as chipmakers prioritise memory for AI data centres, and that has fed through into the price of new laptops and desktops. Higher prices tend to mean people hold on to their current machines for longer.
What it means if you're buying
Weak demand can lead to discounting, particularly on older stock and on models due to be replaced, so it is worth watching for deals over the coming months. At the same time, the memory shortage means some new models are launching at higher prices than their predecessors, or with less RAM.
When you compare laptops, look closely at the memory: 16GB is the sensible minimum for a Windows machine that should last, and it's usually soldered in, so you can't add more later. Our laptop buying guide only recommends configurations we think will stand the test of time.
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