According to a report published by the Taiwanese newspaper “United Daily News”, the new increase in fees for “Windows OEM” licenses began last July, as prices rose by between 7 and 10% on average, according to executives in the computer manufacturing sector.
This increase is greater than the usual increases seen in Windows license fees over the past years, which often remained in the low single digits. The licensing cost also varies according to the computer specifications, especially the type of processor used, as devices equipped with advanced processors are subject to different licensing costs.
Additional pressure on prices
The increase in Windows fees comes at a time when computer manufacturers are facing a significant increase in production costs, especially with the rise in the prices of random memory and storage units, which has already prompted some companies to pass part of these increases on to consumers by raising the prices of their devices.
Although the consumer may not feel the impact of the increase in Windows fees directly, the rise in licensing costs constitutes an additional burden on manufacturers, and increases the possibility of recording new increases in computer prices during the coming period.
In December 2025, Dell, Asus, and Acer had indicated their intention to raise the prices of some computers as a result of the sharp rise in memory costs, before pressures on the computer market increased during 2026.
How are Windows 11 licenses sold?
Windows 11 licenses reach users through multiple channels, the most prominent of which is the system is pre-installed on computers sold by manufacturers, while commercial licenses are subject to a different system.
Microsoft provides businesses with commercial licensing options that include Windows 11 Pro upgrades, as well as Windows Enterprise E3 and E5 subscriptions. Enterprise licenses are usually based on a qualifying Windows Pro license, and are not an independent replacement for the basic system license.
The increase in Windows 11 license fees comes shortly after Microsoft announced new details regarding the end of support for Windows 10 versions, and the prices of Extended Security Updates (ESU).
As memory prices and computer component costs continue to rise, the increase in Windows fees adds a new factor that may prompt manufacturers to re-price their devices, at a time when the personal computer market is facing increasing pressure in terms of sales and production costs.
