Report: Microsoft Imposes Higher-Than-Usual Price Hikes For OEMs’ Windows License

A recent report out of Taiwan reveals that Microsoft has hiked the price of Windows licenses for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) this third quarter, potentially leading to an increase in the cost of PC end products by around 5%. According to a PC brand executive quoted by UDN, Microsoft raises these licensing fees annually, with the average increase ranging between 7% and 10% starting July.

This is notably higher than the single-digit increases seen in previous years. The pricing is influenced by the PC's CPU, with more powerful processors commanding higher license fees. While product prices are already factoring in these increases, the report suggests consumers and businesses are unlikely to notice the changes due to the overall astronomical costs.

The situation may lead to further price scrutiny, but with memory prices already in the spotlight, it might be overshadowed. The report concludes that electronics prices are likely to continue rising throughout the decade, if not longer, depending on the company or executive consulted.