Microsoft’s Windows OEM License Hike Could Push Laptop Prices Higher

Microsoft is reportedly increasing Windows OEM license fees for PC manufacturers, adding more pressure to laptop prices already affected by rising hardware costs.

A few months ago, reports warned that laptop prices could increase by nearly 40% because of higher memory and processor costs. More recently, Valve warned that the memory and storage crisis is getting worse.

Microsoft reportedly raises OEM fees by up to 10%

According to Taiwanese publication United Daily News, Microsoft is raising Windows licensing fees for PC manufacturers by more than usual.

Some OEMs are reportedly seeing increases of between 7% and 10%. Microsoft normally adjusts OEM licensing prices each year, but a PC industry executive described the increase that began in July 2026 as significantly higher than previous annual changes.

Microsoft negotiates different Windows licensing rates with individual manufacturers, so the exact increase varies between OEMs.

Laptop prices could rise further

PC manufacturers include Windows licensing costs in the overall cost of systems that ship with the operating system preinstalled.

The report claims the higher licensing fees are already affecting laptop pricing, and manufacturers could pass at least part of the additional cost on to consumers.

That comes at a difficult time for PC makers, which are already paying more for memory, storage, processors, and other components.

Retail Windows 11 prices remain unchanged

The reported increase only affects OEM licensing agreements used by PC manufacturers.

Microsoft has not announced a corresponding increase to the standalone retail price of Windows 11 for consumers.

Meanwhile, new details about the Asus Googlebook recently appeared online, including references to an aluminum design, GlowBar, and dedicated Gemini key.

Via Windows Central