Microsoft Speeds Up Windows 11 on 8GB PCs With Memory Tweaks

What changes

Microsoft reworked how Windows compresses memory and moves data to storage. As a result, up to 2GB more data can stay in memory, which should reduce reloading when users switch between apps or browser tabs.

For actions such as the Start menu, search and File Explorer, Windows now temporarily prioritizes the user's request and holds back background work like search indexing. Microsoft says Edge launches up to 33% faster and Teams up to 20% faster.

Memory use has also been trimmed. In a multitasking test combining Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365 apps, the growth in memory consumption was cut by up to about 900MB. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook together use 360MB less. On PCs with 8GB or less, widgets now load only when used, saving about 200MB while they are closed.

Limits and context

Microsoft notes that heavy workloads such as 3D modeling and advanced video editing are still better served by 16GB or more.

The announcement comes as rising memory prices push up PC prices. IDC forecast in June that global PC shipments would fall 11.3% in 2026 from a year earlier, and warned that PC makers might ship models with less memory. Microsoft's Windows OEM and devices revenue fell 22% year over year in the July–September quarter, which the company blamed on a post-Windows 10 end-of-support demand drop, inventory reductions by PC makers and distributors, and weak PC demand. Microsoft has not said the memory work is directly tied to pricing.