Microsoft is making Windows 11 run better on PCs with limited RAM. The update improves memory management, helping budget computers stay responsive during daily tasks.
One of the biggest changes involves Windows Widgets. On PCs with 8GB of RAM or less, Widgets will no longer load automatically in the background. They will only load when you open them.
Microsoft says this change can free up more than 200MB of memory. It may not seem like a lot, but it can make a difference on a system with only 8GB of RAM. It gives other apps more room to run and can help reduce slowdowns when multitasking.
The company is also updating how Windows handles active data. Instead of moving data to slower storage sooner, Windows 11 can now keep up to 2GB more active data in RAM.
When available memory gets low, Windows uses virtual memory on your SSD. This helps keep apps running, but reading data from storage is slower than reading it from RAM. As a result, apps can take longer to respond when you switch back to them.
By keeping more active data in memory, Windows can reduce those delays. Microsoft says its recent memory improvements can make Windows 11 up to 20% more responsive, although the actual experience will vary depending on your PC and workload.
These changes are part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to make Windows use system resources more efficiently. The company recently rolled out updates to Microsoft Edge that lower RAM usage. It is also adding new personalization options in Windows 11.
Also Read: Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 26H2 update
For users with entry-level laptops and desktops, the update could make everyday computing feel smoother. If your PC has 8GB of RAM or less, you may notice better multitasking and faster app switching once the update arrives.
