Microsoft has notified OEM PC makers that Windows licensing fees will increase by 7% to 10%. This is one of the most significant increases OEMs have experienced, driven by the company's heavy investment in remodeling Windows 11 for a better user experience. The increase is a way to offset the engineering efforts.

PC OEMs likely receive better prices based on volume, with large makers such as Dell, HP, ASUS, and Acer getting much better deals than smaller OEMs. Thus, the 7-10% increase depends on the PC OEM's volume and individual deals with Microsoft. No one is spared from these increases, as the Redmond-based giant seeks to extract a few more percentage points from the world's most widely used PC operating system. Consumers are likely to see their pre-built desktop and laptop systems become more expensive by a few dollars.

However, standard licensing fees available to individual customers, like Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro, remain at the same price of $139 and $199, respectively.