Windows 10: Microsoft's free upgrade will have negative impact on PC sales

Analyst outfit IDC has said that Windows 10 unlikey will save the struggling PC market, which is expected to shrink by 6.2 percent in 2015.

While the PC market saw a slighty boost in mid-2014 with end of support for Windows XP boosting demand for replacements, IDC says that the market likely will see a big decline in 2015.

Windows 10, which is set to be released on 29 July, will be a “significant contributor" to PC shipments, IDC said, but not enough to have a major impact on faltering sales worldwide.

The analyst firm notes that while businesses will purchase PCs running Windows 10, consumers won't be as likely to buy a new computer because Microsoft will provide them with a free upgrade to the new operating system, as long as they are running legal versions of Windows 7 or Windows 8.

Consumers will also "continue to prioritise" spending on smartphones, tablets and wearable devices such as the Apple Watch.

Loren Loverde, vice president of Worldwide PC Trackers at IDC adds that it will also take time for Microsoft to convince users of the benefits of Windows 10, saying: "Microsoft and PC vendors still need to convince users of the advantages of the new OS and new PCs, which will take some time.

"In addition to educating clients, they'll face tough competition from other devices, and weak spending in many regions. As a result, we see PC shipments stabilizing in 2016, followed by limited growth for the next few years."

:story: V3.co.uk