As if PCs weren’t expensive enough already, Microsoft is reportedly now charging OEMs more for Windows licenses
Microsoft is reportedly increasing the licensing fees it charges PC manufacturers (OEMs) for Windows, according to the report, adding further cost pressure to an already expensive PC market. The move would affect the wholesale price computer makers pay to include Windows on their machines, a cost that is typically passed on to consumers through higher retail prices.
The article's underlying detail on the scale and timing of the increase was not available in the retrieved text, but the framing suggests this comes on top of already rising PC component and build costs. Such a change would primarily affect OEM partners rather than consumers buying standalone Windows licences directly, though any increase in manufacturing cost is likely to filter through to shelf prices over time.
- Microsoft reportedly raising Windows licence fees charged to PC makers
- Adds to already rising costs of building and buying PCs
- Cost increase likely to be passed on to consumers eventually