As If the RAM Crisis Wasn’t Enough, Microsoft Is Raising the Price on Windows 11
Microsoft is raising Windows 11 licensing fees for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by 7-10%, according to reports from Taiwanese news outlets. The price increase, which began in July 2026, represents a significant jump compared to previous years when annual increases typically remained in the single digits. These licensing fees are what PC manufacturers must pay to Microsoft in order to pre-install Windows 11 on their systems before selling them to consumers.
While the price hike doesn’t directly affect individual users purchasing Windows 11 keys separately, it will likely result in increased costs for consumers buying pre-built PCs, as manufacturers typically pass on such expenses. This comes during a year already marked by widespread price increases across the technology sector, affecting everything from hardware components like RAM to software licensing.
The exact reasoning behind the substantial jump in licensing fees has not been officially stated by Microsoft. OEM licensing represents a significant revenue stream for the company, and the increase underscores how multiple cost factors are converging to make PC purchases more expensive for consumers in 2026.