Microsoft has increased the price of Windows 11 OEM licenses, making personal computers more expensive for consumers. These licenses are negotiated directly with PC manufacturers to ensure the operating system comes pre-installed, and any price changes flow directly to the final device cost.
While annual price increases are routine in the industry, PC brand executives report that Microsoft's 2026 adjustment was steeper than usual, ranging from 7% to 10%. The larger-than-expected hike means manufacturers face higher costs when bundling Windows 11 with new machines, a burden that typically gets passed along to buyers.