In 2022, global unit shipments of hard disk drives (HDDs) were expected to fall to 166 million units, a 36 percent fall from the 259 million units shipped in the previous year. The highest shipment figure was recorded in 2010 where over 650 million units were shipped.
Data storage
Computer memory refers to the physical devices which are used to store data or programs for use in a computer. Primary storage allows for the short-term storage of data: information is retained for immediate use and is directly accessible by the CPU, usually until the main device is reset or turned off.
Secondary storage
Secondary storage, either in the form of HDDs, solid state drives (SSDs), flash drives, or other longer-term storage devices, record and hold data indefinitely, even when the main device is unpowered. A traditional hard drive contains a circular disc, known as a platter, that stores your data. The disc spins, allowing data to be read or written – the faster the platter spins, the faster the hard drive works.
Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2022
(in million units)
Characteristic
Unit shipments in million units
2022
166
2021
259
2020
260.3
2019
316.3
2018
375.05
2017
403.87
2016
424
2015
468.44
2014
563.97
2013
551.98
2012
577.04
2011
624.5
2010
651.32
0100200300400500600700800
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StorageNewsletter, & TrendFocus, & The Register, & Forbes. (December 18, 2022). Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2022 (in million units) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 24, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
StorageNewsletter, und TrendFocus, und The Register, und Forbes. "Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2022 (in million units)." Chart. December 18, 2022. Statista. Accessed May 24, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
StorageNewsletter, TrendFocus, The Register, Forbes. (2022). Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2022 (in million units). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 24, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
StorageNewsletter, and TrendFocus, and The Register, and Forbes. "Hard Disk Drive (Hdd) Unit Shipments Worldwide from 1976 to 2022 (in Million Units)." Statista, Statista Inc., 18 Dec 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
StorageNewsletter & TrendFocus & The Register & Forbes, Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2022 (in million units) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/ (last visited May 24, 2025)
Hard disk drive (HDD) unit shipments worldwide from 1976 to 2022 (in million units) [Graph], StorageNewsletter, & TrendFocus, & The Register, & Forbes, December 18, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/398951/global-shipment-figures-for-hard-disk-drives/
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