Microsoft's Windows 11 26H2 update, released last week, includes unadvertised improvements to RAM management. According to Windows Latest and Reddit users, the update reduces memory consumption when the system is idle and better manages RAM when applications are loaded. Users report a reduction of around 2 GB, with some experiencing up to a 3 GB decrease in idle RAM usage.
Testing on a laptop with 16 GB of RAM showed idle usage dropping from 10 GB to 7 GB, with 8.8 GB available. The update also expands the Low Latency Profile to nearly all applications, potentially making software launch faster on weaker hardware. Previously limited to Microsoft-branded "in-box" applications, this feature boosts CPU frequency for 1-3 seconds for smoother launches.
Microsoft Edge and Outlook launch about 40% faster, while Start Menu and context menus may be up to 70% faster. While Windows caches services in RAM for instant response, Microsoft has optimized the balance between background operations and available capacity. Unnecessary telemetry remains, but the overall experience is smoother.
Source: TechPowerUp News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing