Microsoft improves Windows 11 performance on 8 GB PCs as RAM prices keep climbing
Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11 to improve performance on PCs with 8 GB of RAM, citing rising memory costs and hardware constraints. The updates include more efficient memory management, faster app launching, and reduced background resource usage.
Why it matters
As memory prices rise due to AI infrastructure demand, these optimizations allow users with lower-end hardware to maintain functionality without needing expensive upgrades.
We've got a hunch the memory crunch is taking a bite out of Windows revenue
With RAM getting more expensive, Microsoft is putting more effort into making Windows 11 run better on systems with just 8 GB of memory.
Microsoft said on Tuesday that it was "raising the bar for 8 GB Windows 11 PCs," following a renewed focus on memory optimization earlier this year . The changes come as Redmond continues pushing more expensive Copilot+ PCs, which require at least 16 GB of RAM, amid a memory crunch fueled by AI infrastructure demand.
Now, Microsoft says a low-end machine with its 8 GB of precious RAM will be up to 20 percent more responsive and 40 percent faster at multitasking thanks to improvements made in memory management.
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