The number of PC units reached 31.4 million even though it grew four percent sequentially during the same period.

This figure is lower than IDC's initial forecasts and is attributed to ongoing sluggishness in economies across the region.

A slow economy has made an impact on the buying behaviour of consumers and the market is further hit by the fact that distribution channels have decided to clear out old inventory before loading their shelves with fresh stocks for the upcoming Windows 8-based PCs.

"With 2012 having been quiet so far, October 26 will carry a lot of expectations, not just for Microsoft but for all PC vendors who are anxious to see the new OS deliver on its promise of fuelling another momentum in the PC market," said Handoko Andi, senior market analyst for Client Devices at IDC.