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Rumor mill: PC makers are facing another cost increase as Microsoft raises Windows licensing fees for some OEMs by 7% to 10%, according to a report from Taiwan's United Daily News. The increase reportedly took effect in July, adding to manufacturers' costs as they continue to deal with higher prices for memory and other hardware components.
The fees apply to companies that build PCs and ship them with Windows preinstalled. Microsoft does not charge every manufacturer the same rate, so the impact will likely vary by vendor and product line. Still, any increase in Windows licensing costs gives PC makers another expense to account for when setting prices. Some of that additional cost could eventually reach buyers, especially as manufacturers already face pressure from rising component prices.
United Daily News cited a PC industry executive who said Microsoft typically raises Windows licensing fees for hardware makers by single-digit percentages each year. Beginning in July, however, the average increase reportedly rose to between 7% and 10%, representing a larger adjustment than in previous years.
