PC sales hit their peak: Why?

2025 marked a turning point for PC hardware. According to the latest data shared by Jon Peddie Research, the industry grew by 35 percent in just one year, reaching $44.5 billion in total sales. This increase ranks as one of the highest sales performances not only in recent years but also of all time.

PC sales are breaking records

The stagnation that followed the pandemic gave way to a rapid rise by 2025. One of the key factors behind this rise was the hardware upgrade mandate introduced by Microsoft with Windows 11.

Updating the new operating system required more than just software updates; users also had to replace key components such as the processor, motherboard, and memory. This led to a shift beyond single upgrades like graphics cards.

The Windows 11 transition divided users. One group opted for pre-built systems, purchasing devices compatible with the new generation of hardware outright. The other group preferred to build their own PCs from scratch.

Both scenarios simultaneously created a strong surge in demand in the hardware market. In addition to desktop systems, gaming-focused laptops and peripherals also accounted for a significant share of this demand.

According to JPR data, total hardware sales, which stood at $33 billion in 2024, increased to $44.5 billion in just 12 months. The research indicates that this growth is not a temporary spurt; the market will continue to exceed $40 billion by 2028.

Experts predict that this growth trend will spur innovation, particularly in products such as graphics cards, high-refresh-rate monitors, and specialized system solutions that optimize gaming performance.

PC gaming has entered a new phase not only in software but also in hardware. This record growth experienced in 2025 will accelerate the development of gaming technologies and usher in a period of reshaping competition for hardware manufacturers.