Does Ubuntu Now Require More RAM Than Windows 11?
Slashdot • • technology
Key Points:
- Ubuntu 26.04 LTS has raised its minimum RAM requirement to 6GB, up from 4GB in Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, reflecting the increased demands of modern computing components like the GNOME desktop and web browsers.
- This new baseline surpasses Windows 11's official 4GB RAM requirement, although both operating systems typically perform better with 8GB for multitasking and modern app usage.
- The increased memory requirement is described as an "honesty bump" to align with real-world usage rather than an actual increase in Ubuntu's memory demands.
- Ubuntu 26.04 can still be installed on devices with less than 6GB RAM, but performance may be significantly slower and less responsive.
- For users with limited RAM who cannot upgrade, lighter Ubuntu flavors such as Lubuntu or custom minimal installations via the netboot installer offer viable alternatives.
