Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Use Sharply on 8 GB PCs

Windows Latest compared two Windows devices, one running 25H2 and one running 26H2. In a second test, Windows 11 was installed in a virtual machine, simulating a fresh setup. With the October update for 25H2, the system consumed around 4.1 GB in normal operation. After the update to 26H2, usage ranged between 2.8 and 3.2 GB.

How Microsoft explains it

In a blog post, Navjot Virk, Corporate Vice President of Windows Experiences, said Windows can now keep up to 2 GB more of active data in memory instead of handing it off to slower storage. According to Virk, this helps the PC stay responsive while users open more apps and browser tabs.

In addition, widgets on PCs with 8 GB of RAM or less are now loaded only when they are actually opened. That alone is meant to free up 200 MB for other apps and tasks.

These changes do not account for the entire improvement seen in the tests. Microsoft has therefore probably made further changes to Windows 11's memory footprint that did not make it into its official explanation.

For owners of entry-level laptops and older PCs, the update could mean smoother multitasking without a hardware upgrade, since 8 GB has long been a common configuration on budget devices.