Bangalore: Apparently, no one, including Microsoft’s latest Windows 8 operating system is able to help the drowning PC market, as the sale of Windows powered PCs fell 21 percent overall last month.

In the midst of Windows 8 expectations, the shocking report was released by NPD Group, a retail research firm which tracks computer sales weekly using data supplied by retailers. Even though there were early statements on Microsoft Windows 8 licenses covering sales of 40 million units in the first month, it’s now clear that most of these licenses are sold to the vendors, whose devices are still waiting in the retail store booths.

According to Times of India, the sale of PCs boosted every time with Microsoft’s new release, as customers hold off their purchases anticipating for the new OS. But since the launch of Windows 8 on October 26, Windows laptop sales are down 24 percent and desktop sales are down 9 percent compared with the same period last year, making an overall 21 percent dip, according to NPD Group. However, the only relief to Microsoft is the survey has not included sales of PCs to businesses, which is lately a strong market for the company.

Read: 10 Biggest Microsoft Mistakes Ever

According to Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD, "After just four weeks on the market, it's still early to place blame on Windows 8 for the ongoing weakness in the PC market, but clearly Windows 8 did not prove to be the impetus for a sales turnaround some had hoped for."    

Meanwhile, the Redmond tech giant had released the price its Surface Pro tablet, which is running a full version of Windows 8 Pro at $899. The device, which will be available from January 2013, is holding Microsoft’s hopes on overcoming iPad and other competitors.

Also Read: 8 Outstanding Features Of Microsoft's Android Rival, Windows Phone 8