Microsoft plans significant Windows 11 updates to address severe RAM consumption issues. Current versions like Home or Pro consume the majority of available memory even with 8 GB RAM installed, leaving only about 2 GB free. This creates problems for users with lower-spec hardware, as Microsoft itself acknowledges. The company now promises a major background usage overhaul to free up memory for tasks like web browsing and app usage. 8 GB RAM configurations will particularly benefit from these changes, as 16 GB minimums for Copilot+ PCs highlight the current strain on resources.

Microsoft's approach appears inspired by Xbox Full Screen Experience, which uses 9 less RAM than standard Windows 11 mode and improves performance. While exact implementation details remain unclear, the overhaul aims to reduce OS overhead that currently acts as a significant memory hog. This shift could make Windows 11 viable on more affordable hardware, directly countering Apple's success with its 8 GB MacBook Neo which delivers smooth performance despite similar specs.

Beyond RAM fixes, Microsoft will also streamline the user interface by transitioning from legacy frameworks to WinUI 3, reducing application latency and improving animations. Core apps like File Explorer will launch instantly, and search functionality will prioritize local results over web searches. These changes collectively aim to create a noticeably smoother experience across all Windows 11 configurations.