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This is really an interesting question. Why do we need to pay for Windows when you are going to format it and install Linux?

The difference in costs for OEM manufacturers, at least when I priced out similar business laptops on Dell's website, was about $40.

Rather not have to pay it, but not anything crazy relative to the price of hardware.

Because antitrust legislation in US is a rusting tool on the shelf.

I'm in the EU, who can I blame for this?

US hegemony, Microsoft's anticompetitive/subsidized practices, and our peers for not demanding better - if you're really looking!