As if PCs weren't expensive enough already, Microsoft is reportedly now charging OEMs more for Windows licenses

Microsoft is reportedly increasing licensing fees for Windows operating system to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) this year, according to a Taiwanese news source, Taiwanese news site United Daily News (UDN). The increase in fees, which have been rising annually in previous years, has now jumped to an average of 7% to 10% per year starting in July.

A PC brand executive confirmed this trend, stating that Microsoft has been increasing licensing fees for Windows OEMs each year. Although the reason behind the increase remains unclear, it seems Microsoft is targeting OEMs that utilize higher-end CPUs. This decision, while potentially perplexing, is not unexpected given the current economic climate characterized by rising prices across various sectors, including hardware and software.

The news of Microsoft's actions comes as no surprise to those who have been closely following the market. As memory supply remains constrained, the overall cost of PCs is expected to continue increasing. While end-users may not directly experience the price hike, it is likely that OEMs will absorb the additional costs and eventually pass them on to consumers.

Despite Microsoft's strong financial performance, with overall revenue up by 18% compared to the previous quarter, its decision to increase Windows licensing fees for OEMs is still likely to have a significant impact on the market, particularly as the year of Linux draws nearer.