Microsoft confirms Windows 11 is a memory hog, promises 8GB RAM PC optimization by end of 2026

Key Points:

• Microsoft has officially confirmed ongoing efforts to optimize Windows 11 for PCs with 8GB RAM and above, aiming to reduce the OS memory footprint and improve speed and responsiveness by the end of 2026.
• The announcement follows CEO Satya Nadella’s commitment to investing in Windows 11’s quality, with memory optimization identified as a key focus area due to Windows 11’s historically high RAM usage driven by components like WebView2.
• Microsoft plans to transition more parts of Windows 11 from WebView2-based web wrappers to its native, lighter WinUI framework, which should significantly reduce RAM consumption across the OS and first-party apps.
• The optimization effort will roll out gradually through Insider builds before reaching all users, addressing issues where Windows 11 idles with excessive RAM use, sometimes consuming over half of 8GB or 16GB systems before launching any applications.
• While 8GB PCs will benefit from these improvements for everyday tasks, users running local AI models or demanding applications should still consider higher RAM configurations, as AI workloads continue to drive increased memory requirements.