Microsoft improves Windows 11 performance on 8 GB PCs as RAM prices keep climbing

Microsoft has announced enhancements to improve the performance of Windows 11 on systems equipped with just 8 GB of RAM, a move driven by the increasing cost of memory. The company stated that these improvements aim to optimize Windows 11 for 8 GB PCs, following a recent emphasis on memory optimization. While Microsoft pushes for more expensive Copilot+ PCs with at least 16 GB of RAM, the new updates are designed to make low-end machines with 8 GB RAM more responsive and efficient.

Key changes include retaining up to 2 GB of data in memory before moving it to slower storage, allowing Edge to launch 33 percent faster when running in the background, and enhancing Microsoft apps' efficiency. For instance, Microsoft Teams can launch up to 20 percent faster by default on 8 GB PCs. Additionally, Widgets will only load when in use, and Edge tabs will default to a 15-minute sleep time.

Microsoft also enabled third-party apps to utilize these enhancements. In a benchmark report, the company found that a 2026 Dell XPS 13 with 8 GB RAM performed comparably to a 2021 Dell XPS 13 with 16 GB across various tasks, highlighting that overall PC performance, not just memory capacity, affects the user experience. Microsoft VP of Windows and devices, Pavan Davuluri, noted that 8 GB remains sufficient for daily tasks for many users, but demanding applications like 3D modeling and video editing benefit from more memory.

While Microsoft's financial performance shows growth, Windows OEM and device revenue has dropped 22 percent, suggesting that consumers and businesses may be delaying upgrades due to rising prices, particularly for memory. To benefit from these improvements, users should update to Windows 11 build 26300.9818 or later and keep their Microsoft apps updated.