Introduction
India’s PC market continues to show remarkable resilience and expansion. According to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker (Q1 2025), the country recorded a healthy 8.1% year-over-year (YoY) growth in overall PC shipments during the January to March 2025 period. At the forefront of this upward trend is HP, which claimed a commanding 29.1% market share, solidifying its position as the leading PC brand in India.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of IDC’s Q1 2025 data, focusing on brand-wise performance, market drivers, emerging trends — including AI-powered notebooks — and what these insights mean for buyers and the industry at large.
Overview of India’s PC Market – Q1 2025
Key Highlights:
Total Shipments: ~3.3 million units
YoY Growth: 8.1%
Top Brand: HP with 29.1% market share
Market Drivers: Hybrid work, AI integration, online sales
India’s PC industry has now entered its seventh consecutive quarter of growth, reflecting strong consumer demand, increased digital adoption among businesses, and robust product innovation by leading brands.
Shipment Volume by Product Segment
IDC’s data divides the Indian PC market into three key product categories — notebooks, desktops, and workstations. Here’s how each performed in Q1 2025:
Segment | YoY Growth | Key Insights |
---|---|---|
Notebooks | ↑ 13.8% | High demand across both consumer and enterprise verticals |
Desktops | ↓ 2.4% | Gradual decline as users shift to portable computing |
Workstations | ↑ 30.4% | Strong growth due to AI and design-intensive applications |
Premium Laptops | ↑ 8% | Professionals increasingly opting for advanced notebooks |
AI Laptops | ↑ 185.1% | Major acceleration driven by AI-first productivity tools |
Brand-Wise Market Share: Top 5 PC Vendors in Q1 2025
1. HP (29.1%) – Market Leader
HP leads the Indian PC market by a wide margin. It continues to perform exceptionally in both consumer and commercial categories, thanks to its:
Broad product lineup, including entry-level, gaming, and AI-integrated devices
Strong e-commerce presence and offline channel strategies
Competitive pricing during seasonal sales
HP’s AI-powered notebooks and enterprise workstations have been particularly successful in meeting evolving demands from educational institutions, hybrid workplaces, and creative professionals.
2. Lenovo (18.9%) – Accelerating Ahead
Lenovo achieved robust growth in both segments:
Consumer Growth: 36.4% YoY
Commercial Growth: 33.8% YoY
Models like the IdeaPad and Yoga series gained popularity among young professionals and students. Lenovo’s strategic investments in B2B channels and service outreach have also contributed to its expanding footprint.
3. Dell (15.6%) – Focused on Enterprise Stability
Dell remained in third place, backed by a 22% share in the commercial segment. Its performance is fueled by:
Trusted reputation in government, IT, and SME sectors
Emphasis on devices built for durability and business applications
Strategic alignment with hybrid work trends
4. Acer (15.4%) – Strong Consumer Push
Acer experienced a 95.5% YoY surge in consumer PC shipments, thanks to:
Attractive pricing
Strong availability across retail and online platforms
Broad device portfolio including Chromebooks, gaming laptops, and ultra-slim models
However, a 21.1% decline in its commercial division slightly impacted its overall market trajectory.
5. Asus (6%) – Targeting Gaming and Innovation
Asus continues its focus on gaming notebooks and AI-integrated systems. Key highlights:
Commercial Shipment Growth: 41.1% YoY
Expansion into small business and startup segments
Emphasis on high-performance graphics and unique thermal designs
Segment-Wise Analysis
Consumer Market
YoY Growth: 8.9%
Key Factors: Republic Day deals, education season demand, wider online product variety
Popular Devices: Thin-and-light notebooks, gaming laptops, AI-enabled systems
Commercial Market
YoY Growth: 7.5%
Drivers: Refresh cycles in government and enterprise IT infrastructure
Challenges: Select industries (IT/ITES) cautious in capital spending
Trends: Shift toward premium notebooks with AI, security enhancements
Online Channels Outperform Offline Sales
E-Tail Channel Performance
YoY Growth: 21.9%
Preferred Platforms: Amazon, Flipkart, Brand Online Stores
Boosters:
Easy EMIs
Same/next-day delivery
Bundled offers and exchange programs
The growing preference for direct-to-consumer online models has significantly reshaped the way PCs are bought in India, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Decline of Traditional Desktops
Desktops Down: 2.4% (consumer), 2.5% (commercial)
Key Reasons:
Mobility and flexibility offered by notebooks
Shift to cloud platforms and remote working environments
Lack of significant innovation in desktop design
Despite this, desktops remain important in industrial and education setups that require shared computing environments.
AI-Powered Notebooks: The Breakout Trend
One of the standout statistics from the Q1 2025 IDC report is the 185.1% YoY increase in AI-powered notebook shipments.
Key Capabilities:
Real-time transcription and summarization
Advanced battery optimization
Smart webcam adjustments for lighting, framing, and background
Noise suppression and smart audio tuning
AI in the Enterprise:
Integrated tools like Windows Copilot, Microsoft Loop, and Google Duet AI
AI-enabled security monitoring and threat detection
Personalized workflow automation
AI is not a gimmick; it’s becoming a core decision factor for enterprises and learners alike.
Expert Opinions
Navkendar Singh, Associate VP at IDC India, noted:
“Gaming notebooks and AI-first PCs are reshaping buyer preferences. The speed of AI adoption in India’s PC market has exceeded expectations. We anticipate further acceleration in AI-led device innovation.”
Implications for Buyers and Businesses
For Buyers:
More choices in mid-range and premium AI-powered models
Expect shorter device life cycles as software evolves quickly
Enhanced features like AI assistance, privacy protection, and improved battery performance
For Brands:
Increased pressure to innovate, not just compete on price
Faster product refresh timelines (6–12 months)
Emphasis on ecosystem support, software integrations, and cloud readiness
Growth Forecast for the Indian PC Market
According to IDC’s forward-looking estimates:
Total 2025 PC shipments could exceed 14 million units
AI-powered devices expected to constitute 35%–40% of all sales
Gaming, education, and creative tools will drive demand for premium notebooks
Commercial demand will increase in financial services, healthcare, and design industries
The notebook segment will continue to dominate, while workstations and AI-enhanced devices will form new product categories.
Brand Strategies Going Forward
HP:
Likely to expand its AI-first PC lineup
Focus on remote collaboration tools and security
Increase outreach to the education and creative sectors
Lenovo:
Bolstering supply chain to support rapid B2B expansion
Targeting hybrid professionals and home users
Dell:
Doubling down on government and institutional partnerships
Emphasis on sustainability and product lifecycle solutions
Acer:
Increasing its value portfolio in Tier 2/3 cities
New product lines focused on gaming and education
Asus:
Growing presence in commercial AI and gaming markets
Strong push on innovation and thermal efficiency
Final Thoughts: HP’s Continued Market Leadership
The IDC Q1 2025 report cements HP’s leading role in India’s PC market, supported by consistent innovation, product diversity, and early adoption of AI-driven features. While the market is highly competitive, HP’s positioning in both consumer and commercial sectors gives it a strategic advantage.
As India continues to digitize across sectors and communities, the PC industry will evolve beyond hardware — driven by AI, sustainability, and a focus on user-centric ecosystems. HP’s momentum places it in a strong position to lead that transformation.