Overview
- Multiple outlets report that Microsoft increased the fees it charges PC makers for Windows starting in July, with sources putting the rise around 7–10%.
- Reports say Microsoft is charging different license rates by CPU tier, which would raise costs more for higher-end laptops and desktops.
- Taiwanese vendors including ASUS and Acer have notified single-digit retail price increases and analysts expect overall PC prices to rise about 5% in Q3.
- Microsoft declined to comment to reporters, while at least one small vendor, Framework, has said it has seen higher Windows licensing costs.
- The software fee rise comes on top of component-driven inflation for RAM, SSDs and processors, a combination that could further depress demand and shift buying toward cheaper, OS-less or refurbished systems.