Microsoft has detailed specific improvements for Windows 11 on 8GB RAM PCs, claiming up to 20% better responsiveness and 40% faster multitasking. The OS now retains up to 2GB more active data in memory instead of swapping to storage. Core interactions like opening Start, File Explorer, and Settings are 20% faster due to deferred search indexing.
Edge launches up to 33% quicker, and Teams Efficiency Mode is enabled by default, cutting launch time by 20%. Multitasking tests with 20 Edge tabs, 4K video, Outlook, and Office apps showed 40% faster workflow speeds. Office apps now use 360MB less RAM, and third-party apps like WhatsApp consume less memory.
Widgets load only when opened, and inactive tabs sleep after 15 minutes. Newer processors help too: a 2026 Dell XPS 13 with 8GB RAM outperforms its 2021 predecessor by 90% in multi-core tasks and matches a 16GB 2021 model in general use. These gains require Windows 11 version 26H2 (build 26300.9818+) and updated apps.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing