Microsoft says Windows 11 is up to 20% more responsive, with memory gains for 8GB PCs
Microsoft says memory changes make Windows 11 up to 20% more responsive, a difference it calls especially meaningful on PCs with 8GB of RAM, as memory prices climb.
What Microsoft announced
Microsoft said on Thursday, 15 October, that a set of Windows 11 changes makes the system up to 20% more responsive, with quicker starts and faster use of File Explorer, Search, Start, Settings, the Snipping Tool and Edge. Navjot Virk, corporate vice president of Windows Experiences, laid out the changes in a blog post and tied much of the gain to better use of memory. TechRadar reports that the 20% figure compares the current build with the OS as it stood at the start of 2026, using tests run in the September preview update. The company says users can feel the difference as soon as the PC boots.
Memory changes aimed at 8GB PCs
Virk said the memory work matters most on PCs with 8GB of memory, and described the core change in the post:
Windows 11 can now keep up to 2GB more of your active data in memory instead of moving it to slower storage.
On machines with 8GB or less, widgets now load only when opened, which Microsoft says frees more than 200MB for other tasks. Engadget adds that AirPods should pair faster with PCs, and that Windows Hello logins should be easier, faster and more reliable. Engadget ties the push to rising RAM costs, which it links to demand from AI data centers.
Independent checks and past promises
The Next Web reports that the only published hands-on test found gains on machines with 16GB or more, but none on an 8GB PC. Windows Latest tested the memory claims in October, finding that a 16GB laptop used about 2GB less memory while an 8GB PC showed no reduction and stayed at 96% usage. Microsoft's 20% baseline compares build 26300.9550 with build 26200.7628 and times Search, Start, the right-click menu, Settings, the Snipping Tool and File Explorer, none of which is a memory test. The same outlet recalls that Pavan Davuluri said in August that Microsoft would shrink Windows to fit 8GB machines. It also notes that the June update fixed 208 flaws but brought bugs, including BitLocker recovery screens on some HP and Dell machines.
RAM prices drive the push
La Razon reports that a memory crisis lasting about a year has pushed up computer prices and brought back 8GB configurations. Citing TrendForce, it says chipmakers are directing more capacity to servers and AI systems, shifting mid-range laptop sales toward 8GB models. DropReference tracks a 370% rise in DDR5 RAM kit prices in Spain between September 2025 and July 2026. In Europe, its 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL30 kits averaged 147 euros in September 2025 and 623 euros in July 2026, a 324% increase.
- 2025-09
- 147 EUR
- 2026-07
- 623 EUR
The Next Web adds that Samsung does not expect relief until 2028. It also reports that European desktop shipments fell about 20% in the third quarter, with a forecast of almost 30% for the fourth quarter.
- Spain, DDR5 RAM kits
- 370 %
- Europe, 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL30 kits
- 324 %
Photos and Search changes
The Verge reports that Microsoft rebuilt the Photos app for Windows 11, combining photos and videos from the PC, OneDrive and iCloud into a single gallery. According to Microsoft, the editor now launches 25% faster and sorts its tools into Crop, Enhance, Repair and Stylize. The viewer launches 15% faster and opens HEIC images up to 30% faster. The new Photos app is rolling out to Windows Insiders, with Microsoft expecting a full launch for all Windows 11 users later this year. Engadget adds that Insiders can also try a revamped, AI-powered Search, which it says Microsoft is effectively turning into a chatbot.