Windows 11 26H2 Update Brings Major Performance and RAM Improvements

Windows 11 users are reporting significant performance improvements and lower RAM usage after installing the 26H2 update. The update, which may seem mundane as it is just an enablement package, has been rolled out after months of behind-the-scenes optimizations that many PCs missed due to Microsoft’s gradual rollouts. The Low Latency Profile feature, now fully enabled, speeds up the Start menu, Search, and app launches, making the operating system feel snappier.

Users, including the author, have observed a noticeable reduction in RAM usage. For instance, on a three-year-old 16GB laptop, RAM usage dropped by as much as 2GB. Even with multiple applications running, such as Edge, WhatsApp, Teams, Outlook, and a 4K 60fps YouTube video, memory usage stayed below 90%, a substantial improvement over previous performance.

The Low Latency Profile feature pushes the CPU to its maximum frequency for a short period to complete tasks quickly, reducing the little pauses that make Windows feel slow. This feature was initially rolled out for shell elements in June and extended to app launches in August. The 26H2 update now includes all these optimizations, making the OS more responsive for most users.

Microsoft had previously promised to reduce Windows 11’s RAM usage, particularly for PCs with 8GB or more RAM. While the company has not officially listed RAM reduction as a change in the 26H2 update, users are experiencing these benefits. The update also includes a faster and more responsive File Explorer, among other small but impactful improvements.