Microsoft raises Windows 11 OEM licensing fees by up to 10%

Microsoft is increasing its Windows 11 OEM license fees by 7% to 10% for PC manufacturers. While Microsoft typically implements single-digit annual increases, industry reports suggest this hike is notably higher than usual.

Large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Dell, ASUS, and HP may see increases around 7%, while smaller manufacturers could face double-digit hikes. These rising software costs coincide with severe shortages and price increases for hardware components, including RAM, solid-state drives, and motherboards.

Industry analysts expect these combined cost pressures to be passed on to consumers, potentially driving up the retail price of personal computers. However, standard retail pricing for standalone operating systems is expected to remain unchanged, with Windows 11 Home at approximately $139 and Pro at $199/200.