Microsoft to Raise Windows Licensing Fees 7%-10% in July 2026; ASUS Warns of 5% Further Price Rise
Microsoft will raise Windows OEM licensing fees by an average of 7% to 10% from July 2026, with pricing tiered according to CPU specifications. Hardware costs have also climbed since 2025 amid AI-driven supply chain tightness in memory, solid-state drives, processors, and motherboards. ASUS and other vendors warn terminal prices will rise a further approximately 5%, after ASUS products have already averaged roughly 30% higher prices versus the fourth quarter of 2025. Weak consumer sentiment leaves manufacturers unable to absorb the combined cost pressures.
Microsoft has raised its Windows OEM operating system licensing fees, which will increase by an average of 7% to 10% beginning July 2026. The fees employ a tiered pricing structure linked to the CPU specifications of the computer in question, with higher CPU configurations carrying proportionally higher fees.
Driven by the AI boom, hardware supply chains remain tight, with prices for memory, solid-state drives, processors, and motherboards repeatedly hitting record highs since 2025. PC makers therefore face dual cost pressure from both hardware and software.
Among them, ASUS-related products have seen cumulative average price increases of approximately 30% compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. With overall consumer willingness to spend remaining weak, manufacturers find it difficult to absorb the additional cost pressure on their own.
Why this event matters
The event has a measured impact on 1 industry. The strongest current signal is negative for Computers & Servers, with intensity 70/100 and 85% confidence over a short term horizon.
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