Microsoft says 8 GB of RAM should be enough for anyone running Windows 11
Microsoft is working to improve Windows 11 memory efficiency, aiming to ensure the operating system runs smoothly on PCs with 8 GB of RAM. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address user dissatisfaction with the OS's performance and resource usage.
Why it matters
Optimizing software for standard hardware configurations is crucial for accessibility and reducing electronic waste by extending the lifespan of existing PCs.
Redmond adds new items to its make-Windows-better list
Simon Sharwood Simon Sharwood APAC Editor APAC Editor Published mon 3 Aug 2026 // 05:40 UTC Microsoft has added four new items to the to-do list it set itself to improve the quality of Windows 11.
Redmond's list landed in March 2026 in response to users' anger at Windows 11 becoming increasingly flaky and needy.
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's executive VP for Windows and Devices, promised "improved memory efficiency, lowering the baseline memory footprint for Windows, freeing up more capacity for the apps you run."
Last Friday, Davuluri reviewed Microsoft's efforts in a new post that is unsurprisingly enthusiastic about Redmond's repair job – even though much of the work is yet to appear in production versions of Windows. Among the work Davuluri lauded was removing some AI features, improving driver quality, and trying to make the Windows Insider program less convoluted .
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