Microsoft raises Windows OEM license fees for PC manufacturers

Microsoft has reportedly increased the cost of Windows 11 OEM licenses for PC manufacturers by an average of 7% to 10%, according to reports from Taiwan’s United Daily News. This adjustment, which reportedly took effect in July, is significantly higher than the single-digit increases typically seen in previous years.

The licensing fees are reportedly tiered based on processor class, meaning devices with higher-end CPUs face larger absolute cost increases. This software price hike arrives as the PC industry simultaneously struggles with rising hardware costs. A shortage of critical components, including RAM and SSDs—driven in part by high demand for AI infrastructure—has already placed significant upward pressure on device prices.

Industry executives suggest that these combined software and hardware costs will likely be passed on to consumers. While manufacturers like ASUS and Acer have noted rising costs, the exact impact on retail prices varies by product category, with entry-level laptops potentially facing the most significant pressure due to thinner margins.