Higher Windows Licensing Costs Add New Pressure to PC Prices

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published August 13, 2026

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PC buyers could face another source of price pressure after reports indicated that Microsoft has increased Windows OEM licensing fees for computer manufacturers by an average of 7% to 10% since July 2026.

Taiwan's Economic Daily News, citing PC industry executives, reported that Microsoft typically adjusts OEM Windows licensing costs each year, but this year's increase is significantly larger than previous adjustments. Licensing costs can also differ depending on the class of processor installed in a device.

The increase comes as PC makers are already dealing with higher costs for memory, storage and processors. Industry executives cited in the report estimate that combined cost pressures could push prices of some PCs about 5% higher during the third quarter of 2026, although that figure is an industry forecast rather than a universal price increase.

For Canadian consumers, the reported change does not mean retail Windows 11 licences have risen by 7% to 10%. Microsoft's Canadian Store currently lists Windows 11 Home at CAD $189 and Windows 11 Pro at CAD $259.99.

The impact could instead appear in the price of new PCs if manufacturers pass their additional licensing costs on to customers. That would add another expense to already rising hardware costs, although there is currently no confirmed across-the-board increase for computers sold in Canada.

Microsoft has not publicly confirmed the reported 7% to 10% OEM licensing increase as of August 13, 2026, and reports say the company declined to comment.