Even Microsoft couldn’t make Windows 11 work well on 8GB of RAM

Key Points:

• The 2026 Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch base model now costs $950, up from $900 last year, but comes with only 8GB of RAM instead of 16GB, resulting in noticeably poorer performance on Windows 11.
• Despite retaining the same solid build quality, keyboard, trackpad, webcam, and battery life, the reduced RAM causes frequent system hangs and limits multitasking capabilities, making it unsuitable for heavy or even moderate daily use without caution.
• Windows 11 itself demands a significant portion of the 8GB RAM, leaving little headroom for applications, highlighting that 8GB is insufficient for a smooth Windows laptop experience in 2026.
• Other manufacturers like Dell, Acer, and Asus are also releasing 8GB RAM Windows laptops due to ongoing global RAM shortages, but performance issues are likely to persist unless Microsoft significantly optimizes Windows 11.
• Consumers are advised to spend more for laptops with 16GB of RAM or consider alternatives like Apple's MacBook Neo, which manages better multitasking with 8GB RAM and costs less than the Surface Laptop.