Windows 10 will debut on July 29, and just like all the other Windows versions, it's expected to increase new PC sales, as many users would want to make the most of the new operating system, and upgraded hardware would be required.

But in Windows 10's case, upgraded hardware is not mandatory, but only recommended, especially because this new OS version has the exact same requirements as its predecessor.

And this thing is also impacting sales of new PCs, with IDC data showing that worldwide PC shipments totaled 66.1 million in the second quarter of 2015, which is an 11.8 percent decline as compared to the same period one year ago.
Windows 10 forecasts

Although Windows 10 is now affecting PC sales, it's believed that, after the operating system becomes available, more devices would be sold, especially because many would ship with the new Windows from the very beginning.

Analysts believe that Windows 10's sales performance in the short term “will go well,” although there are some thoughts that the new operating system could only start making a difference for PC makers in 2016.

“We continue to expect low to mid-single digit declines in volume during the second half of the year with volume stabilizing in future years. We're expecting the Windows 10 launch to go relatively well, though many users will opt for a free OS upgrade rather than buying a new PC. Competition from 2-in-1 devices and phones remains an issue, but the economic environment has had a larger impact lately, and that should stabilize or improve going forward,” Loren Loverde, Vice President, Worldwide PC Trackers & Forecasting, said.

Windows 10 will be offered free of charge to users running genuine Windows 7 or 8.1 on their computers, and it's believed that this promo could also have a negative impact on PC sales. It remains to be seen, however, how many users will actually be interested in buying a new computer for new features such as Windows Hello.