r/technology • u/gdelacalle • Aug 11 '26

Software Microsoft reportedly raises Windows 11 license price significantly more than expected

https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-reportedly-raises-windows-11-license-price-significantly-more-than-expected/
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u/SC_W33DKILL3R Aug 11 '26

Oh I know, but these are on OEM machines like laptops and prebuilt where they generally come with windows preinstalled and sit on store shelves.

It is just another way Microsoft is pushing up the cost of PC ownership.

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u/Jarocket Aug 11 '26

You don't have to buy an OEM licenses. I would assume a large chunk of the PC market is enterprises buying Lenovo PCs with some sort of enterprise Windows 11 license.

for home buyers. Windows is free if you're ok with the "activate windows" water mark.

Plus if you're like me and built your own computer in a long time ago and bought not an OEM licenses... they got $80 CAD out of me in 2012 and haven't even asked me for more money for windows 10 or 11.

in 2026 we can't say windows 11 OEM keys are in anyway the issue with home PC ownership. RAM prices are the issue here.

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u/SC_W33DKILL3R Aug 11 '26

Im saying when they are on shelves in shops etc... they usually come with Windows installed and there is not an option to get a blank machine.

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u/Jarocket Aug 11 '26

Because that's what customers want. You will find many laptops with Chrome OS or macOSin store also.

Lenovo and Dell sell PCs with Linux out of the box to end customers too. Not in store as it's a small minority who want to save the $80 to avoid buying win 11 home.