After several years marked by slowdown and uncertainty, the global personal computer market is showing signs of recovery again. Forecasts for 2026 point to a 2.5% growth, a modest yet meaningful figure for an industry that had been dragging declines after the extraordinary boom during the pandemic.
The improvement is not due to a single factor, but to a combination of several trends that are reigniting demand in both professional settings and consumer markets. The pending technology refresh in many companies, the advance of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the end of life for millions of devices are driving the market again.
The Pending Renewal Effect
One of the main engines of this growth will be replacing devices purchased between 2020 and 2021. Many companies made rapid investments during the remote-work boom and now face a new upgrade cycle.
Additionally, the end of support for some operating systems and the rising hardware requirements for modern applications are accelerating the need to refresh devices. Organizations are seeking more efficient, secure devices prepared for new hybrid work environments.
In this context, the professional market becomes once again a key piece for manufacturers and distributors.
But if there is one element redefining the sector in 2026, it is artificial intelligence. Manufacturers are clearly betting on the so-called “AI PCs,” devices designed to run AI functions locally thanks to processors with an NPU (Neural Processing Unit).
The promise is clear: boost productivity, automate tasks, optimize video calls, strengthen security, and deliver more personalized experiences without relying constantly on the cloud. Although there is still some debate about the real impact of these capabilities on users’ day-to-day lives, the industry has found in AI a new commercial lever to energize the market.
Major manufacturers such as HP, Lenovo, Dell Technologies, or ASUS have already begun positioning much of their catalog around these capabilities.
Companies Prioritize Efficiency and Security
The market recovery does not necessarily mean returning to the record volumes of a few years ago. Buying behavior has changed and companies are now much more selective. The priority is no longer solely having powerful devices, but reducing operating costs, improving energy efficiency, and strengthening cybersecurity.
This also explains the rise of more premium models in the corporate environment. IT departments are seeking devices with better management tools, longer battery life, advanced connectivity, and longer life cycles.
Meanwhile, the distribution channel is finding new opportunities around managed services, support, remote deployment, and Device as a Service (DaaS), a model that continues to grow among organizations that prefer to turn IT infrastructure into an operating expense.
Consumer Spending Remains Cautious
In the domestic market, the recovery will be more modest. Accumulated inflation in recent years and the longer lifespan of devices continue to dampen some demand. Still, gaming, content creation, and ultralight laptops are showing positive momentum. Specific categories are also growing, such as devices aimed at students, hybrid workers, and digital creators.
Manufacturers also expect that the new experiences linked to generative AI will help stimulate consumer interest in the coming years.
A Sector in Search of Stability
Rather than a return to explosive growth, 2026 represents a return to stability for the PC industry. The market seems to be leaving behind the sharp adjustments seen after the pandemic and entering a more balanced phase, characterized by more rational refresh cycles and greater integration between hardware, software, and artificial intelligence.
The big question now is whether AI will truly be capable of triggering a new wave of massive renewals or whether it will end up becoming simply another feature within the PC ecosystem. What seems clear is that, after several years of uncertainty, the sector is once again finding reasons to look toward the future with a bit more optimism.
