Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Microsoft says Windows 11 updates improve responsiveness and memory use
Microsoft says Windows 11 can feel up to 20 percent more responsive after performance and memory changes.
The updates are intended to help people using Windows PCs, with Microsoft saying machines with 8GB of memory may see a notable benefit.
Windows 11 can keep up to 2GB more active data in memory instead of moving it to slower storage, and PCs with 8GB or less will load widgets only when opened.
Microsoft says that change frees more than 200MB of memory for other tasks.
The changes aim to make everyday PC use smoother, including opening apps and browser tabs, pairing AirPods and signing in with Windows Hello.
Windows Insiders can also test a redesigned Photos app and a more capable Search, which lets users carry out actions from the taskbar; the Photos editor and viewer are also said to load faster.
Microsoft says some improvements are reaching all users, while features still in testing will be tried by Insiders before broader release.
Microsoft says Windows 11 is up to 20 percent more responsive after memory and other performance improvements.
The company says PCs with 8GB of memory may benefit especially, with widgets loading only when opened on PCs with 8GB or less.
Microsoft also highlighted faster Bluetooth pairing, easier Windows Hello logins and improvements to built-in apps.
Windows Insiders can test a redesigned Search experience and a revamped Photos app.
Microsoft presented the changes as part of a broader Windows 11 refresh that also includes gaming and phone-integration updates.
- Who
- Microsoft announced the Windows 11 updates.
- What
- The company highlighted performance, usability and app improvements, including a redesigned Search experience and Photos app.
- When
- October 15, 2026.
- Where
- Windows 11 PCs; some features are available for testing by Windows Insiders.
- Why
- Microsoft says the updates are intended to make Windows 11 faster, more responsive and reliable.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Microsoft made changes including cleaning up the Widgets Panel, adding taskbar placement options and improving Windows Update.
Microsoft highlighted Windows 11 performance and usability updates, including features already being tested by Windows Insiders.
- Responsiveness
- Up to 20 percent more responsive, according to Microsoft
- Memory capacity
- Windows 11 can keep up to 2GB more active data in memory, according to Microsoft
- Widgets
- More than 200MB of memory freed on PCs with 8GB or less when widgets load only on opening
- AirPods pairing
- Up to 15 seconds faster, according to Microsoft
- Photos editor
- Loads 25 percent faster, according to Microsoft
- Photos viewer
- Loads 30 percent faster, according to Microsoft
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What people are saying
can now keep up to 2GB more of your active data in memory instead of moving it to slower storage, helping your PC stay responsive as you open more apps or browser tabs
A new PC is a meaningful purchase, and the value should show up in more than a spec sheet.
The reason to upgrade is not just one feature; it is how [experiences] work together to make more of your day feel effortless.