New Faster Windows 11 Update Will Give You 2GB More App RAM

Microsoft has unveiled enhancements to Windows 11 that promise a more responsive experience, with performance improvements reported at 20% by the company. These upgrades target various aspects of the operating system, including Start, Search, File Explorer, Settings, the Snipping Tool, and right-click menus. The focus on memory management has resulted in PCs equipped with 8GB of RAM gaining the ability to store an additional 2GB of active data in memory, rather than relying on slower storage.

This adjustment aims to minimize slowdowns when users switch between open applications and browser tabs. Microsoft has also revamped the Widgets feature on PCs with 8GB of RAM or lower, allowing these widgets to load only when users access them, thereby freeing over 200MB of memory for other tasks. The taskbar, a longstanding feature in Windows, is now subject to more customization options.

Users can now choose to place the taskbar at the top, bottom, left, or right edge of the screen, offering greater flexibility in managing their workspace. Additionally, a new small taskbar option reduces the height and icon size, providing users with extra screen real estate. Microsoft is also refining the Start menu, offering users greater control over its size and layout, including the ability to hide certain sections.

The Windows Search feature is undergoing a significant overhaul, with improvements in performance and memory usage. This revamped search experience will support more direct actions, enabling users to perform certain tasks, such as changing settings or managing windows, directly from search results. Microsoft is also enhancing the Photos app, redesigning its Gallery, Viewer, and Editor components.

The Photos app now launches up to 20% faster, and the editor includes tools for cropping, color adjustments, object removal, and Relight. A more seamless integration between Windows 11 and mobile devices is also on the horizon. Users can now preview phone messages and notifications directly from the Start menu, answer incoming calls, and access phone controls without leaving the PC.

Supported Android phones can access apps within resizable windows on the PC, and users can browse their phone's files using File Explorer. The Photos app can also notify the PC when a user takes a picture, facilitating quicker access to their media library. Microsoft has also addressed the reliability of Windows Update, aiming to reduce unnecessary restarts and installation times.

The update process is being optimized to coordinate updates more efficiently, while Bluetooth connectivity has seen reliability improvements, with some AirPods pairing times reduced by up to 15 seconds. Windows Hello facial recognition and fingerprint sign-in processes are being made faster and more dependable. These updates are being rolled out across various Windows 11 builds, with availability contingent upon the specific device, region, and Windows version.