14 DAY TRIAL // Just like any other new Windows version, Windows 10 was expected to boost new PC sales, as more users across the world were supposed to be looking for more powerful hardware in order to make the most of the overhauled operating system.
This isn’t happening, according to research firm Gartner, who estimates that Windows 10 needs approximately two years before bringing a significant increase in terms of new PC sales.
In a study published today, Gartner says that sales of devices, including PCs, tablets, ultramobiles, and mobile phones, are expected to drop 1 percent this year as compared to 2014 and reach 2.4 billion units, which is totally opposite to the 1.5 percent growth the same firm previously forecasted.
Increased sales in 2017
As far as the PC alone is concerned, 2015 sales are projected to reach 291 million and maintain the same level in 2016, despite the arrival of Windows 10 and other major updates that could land next year. In 2017, however, Windows could make a difference in the PC market and contribute to a growth to 303 million sold units.
“Until the end of 2015, currency devaluation and subsequent price increases will continue to restrain the replacement of ultramobiles premium and notebooks by businesses in particular,” said Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner.
“In 2016, we expect currency impacts will negate and while Windows 10 products on the Intel Skylake platform will increase in volumes throughout the year, Windows 10 adoption among businesses will ramp sharply in 2017, where we expect the PC market to return to a 4 percent growth.”
One of Windows 10’s key priorities was to make the desktop more familiar for PC users, as Windows 8 removed some of the features that made it easier for those with a mouse and keyboard to work on their devices. Microsoft went in reverse for Windows 10 and restored the Start menu, while also introducing features such as multiple desktops and Cortana.
But Windows 10 certainly needs time to have an impact on PC sales and Microsoft’s free upgrade offer surely doesn’t help. The new OS is offered as a free upgrade to those running Windows 7 and 8.1 on their PCs, and given the fact that the same system requirements are kept, there’s little to no reason at all to buy a new computer.
