Microsoft Raises Windows License Fees Up to 10% for Premium PCs
Updated
Updated · digitaltoday.co.kr · Aug 10
Microsoft Raises Windows License Fees Up to 10% for Premium PCs
3 articles · Updated · digitaltoday.co.kr · Aug 10
Summary
Up to 10% higher annual Windows license fees are already showing up in PC retail prices, with the steepest increases tied to higher-end CPU-equipped machines.
Taiwan's UDN, citing local PC OEMs, said Microsoft charges more for premium systems, while Taiwan units of Asus and Acer are seeing increases of about 5%.
That pricing pressure could make some OEMs consider Valve's Linux-based SteamOS for AMD-focused builds, though broad consumer migration away from Windows still looks unlikely.
The increase extends reports earlier on Aug. 10 that Microsoft began lifting OEM Windows fees by roughly 7% to 10% in July, adding to broader PC cost pressures.