Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Microsoft improves Windows 11 performance on 8GB PCs
Microsoft has tuned Windows 11 to run better on PCs with 8GB of memory, saying the changes make them up to 20% more responsive and multitasking up to 40% faster.
The improvements include keeping more data in memory and reducing the resources used by features such as Widgets when they are not in use.
The changes come as memory shortages are driving up PC prices, making lower-memory computers an option for people trying to spend less.
Microsoft says demanding work such as 3D modelling and advanced video editing still benefits from 16GB or more.
Some improvements require Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later, and some also require updated versions of Edge, Microsoft 365 or Teams.
Microsoft says the work applies to PCs with other amounts of memory too, with tuning for each configuration.
Microsoft says Windows 11 improvements make 8 GB PCs up to 20 percent more responsive and multitasking up to 40 percent faster.
The changes include keeping up to 2 GB more active data in memory and reducing memory use by some apps and features.
Microsoft says Edge can launch up to 33 percent faster and Teams up to 20 percent faster with the improvements.
Some changes require Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later, and updates to certain apps.
Microsoft says 16 GB or more remains better for demanding tasks such as 3D modelling and advanced video editing.
- Who
- Microsoft announced performance improvements for Windows 11 PCs.
- What
- The company says memory and app optimizations improve responsiveness and multitasking on 8 GB PCs.
- When
- November 3, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Microsoft says the changes aim to improve performance through memory optimization. The articles also report rising PC and memory costs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Microsoft renewed its focus on improving Windows 11 performance and memory optimization.
Microsoft announced improvements intended to make Windows 11 run better on PCs with 8 GB of RAM.
Users need this update to access the improvements, with some changes also requiring updates to Edge, Microsoft 365 or Teams.
- Responsiveness
- Up to 20 percent improvement on 8 GB PCs
- Multitasking
- Up to 40 percent faster, according to Microsoft
- Active data in memory
- Windows can keep up to 2 GB more before moving data to slower storage
- Microsoft Edge
- Launches up to 33 percent faster, according to Microsoft
- Microsoft Teams
- Launches up to 20 percent faster, according to Microsoft
- Required Windows version
- Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later
7 sources
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What people are saying
For many people, 8 GB is a great fit for the things they do every day
we're making sure you can do more, even with 8GB