Microsoft Ditches 32GB RAM Recommendation Amid Global Shortage

Microsoft has quietly updated its Windows 11 memory recommendations, downgrading from 32GB to remove any mention of it altogether.

This change comes as RAM prices have skyrocketed due to a global DRAM shortage, making high-capacity kits unaffordable for many users.

The revised guidelines now suggest that 8GB is the minimum amount of RAM needed for Windows 11, which is a departure from previous recommendations that called for at least 16GB.

Despite Microsoft's claims that Windows 11 is more efficient and performant than before, industry experts continue to recommend 16GB or more for users who run demanding apps or web browsing with multiple tabs.

The Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices re-released by Microsoft this year come equipped with only 8GB of RAM, which has raised eyebrows among critics who point out that 32GB is still the norm for gaming and professional use.