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Microsoft speeds up Windows 11 on PCs with 8GB of RAM

Microsoft has introduced Windows 11 optimizations for devices with 8GB of RAM, cutting the memory footprint of core apps and compressing data to deliver faster multitasking.

Graphic by Engadget showing a person working on a laptop displaying the Windows 11 logo on its screen.
Image: @engadget

Microsoft is delivering performance enhancements for Windows 11 machines configured with 8GB of RAM. According to journalist Tom Warren, the operating system is now up to 40 percent faster on 8GB systems after Microsoft reduced the memory footprint of Windows, the Edge browser, and Office applications, while implementing data compression to save memory. A new update from Microsoft is targeting both memory usage and overall system performance.[2][4]

The updates specifically target everyday responsiveness and multitasking. Tom's Hardware reported that Microsoft clocked Windows as 20 percent more responsive and multitasking as 40 percent faster on memory-constrained machines, noting that the move comes as artificial intelligence demand continues to push up memory prices. Engadget separately reported that users with 8GB of RAM should notice improved performance across a broad range of apps.[5][1]

The memory adjustments signal continued backing for budget hardware. According to Neowin, Microsoft is still betting that 8GB Windows 11 computers remain fully usable in 2026, rolling out the performance boost as the company readies a holiday sale that includes lower-end laptops.[3]

Key facts

  • Microsoft says Windows 11 is now up to 40% faster on PCs with 8GB of RAM.
  • On memory-constrained machines, Windows is 20% more responsive and multitasking is 40% faster, according to Microsoft figures cited by Tom's Hardware.
  • The performance improvements stem from reducing the memory footprint of Windows, Edge, and Office apps, as well as compressing data.
  • Engadget reported that users with 8GB of RAM should see performance gains across a wide range of apps.
  • Neowin reported that Microsoft still considers 8GB RAM PCs viable in 2026 and is preparing a holiday sale covering lower-end laptops.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. EN

    Engadget@engadgetPost on X ·

    Windows 11 users with 8GB of RAM should start noticing improved performance in a wide range of apps. https://t.co/S5vpsD5jKm

    Open source
  2. TW

    Tom Warren@tomwarrenPost on X ·

    Windows 11 is now "up to 40 percent faster" on PCs with 8GB of RAM. Microsoft has been reducing the memory footprint of Windows, Edge, and Office apps, while compressing data to save memory. Full details 👇 https://t.co/hFwHhRyyHm

    Open source
  3. NE

    NeowinFeed@NeowinFeedPost on X ·

    Microsoft is still betting that 8GB Windows 11 PCs can be perfectly usable in 2026. So much so that it's giving them a performance boost while preparing a holiday sale for some lower-end laptops. #Windows11 #8GBRAM https://t.co/FuIcvpyoh2

    Open source
  4. TV

    The Verge@vergePost on X ·

    A new Windows 11 update is improving memory usage and performance. https://t.co/oigbWMlQsh

    Open source
  5. TH

    Tom's Hardware@tomshardwarePost on X ·

    Windows 11 8GB RAM configurations get a performance boost — As AI demand keeps pushing prices up, Microsoft says Windows is now 20% more responsive, multitasking 40% faster on memory-constrained machines https://t.co/8bgZKE1g3A

    Open source