Windows 11 26H2 Update Cuts RAM Usage Boosts Performance
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 26H2 update, released last week, includes several understated but significant improvements. Chief among these is a reduction in RAM consumption, particularly when the system is idle. Users on Reddit have reported decreases in memory usage of around 2 GB, with some seeing up to a 3 GB drop. Testing by Windows Latest on a laptop with 16 GB of RAM showed a reduction from 10 GB to 7 GB of idle usage, with 4 GB cached and 8.8 GB available.
The update also introduces the Low Latency Profile, expanding to nearly all applications. This feature boosts CPU performance for 1-3 seconds, making software launches smoother and faster. Microsoft applications like Edge and Outlook now launch about 40% faster, while other features like the Start Menu and context menus see up to 70% faster performance. This enhancement, previously limited to Microsoft-branded applications, now benefits a wider range of software.
While the update optimizes RAM usage, it's important to note that Windows caches services and applications in RAM to ensure quick access. This caching doesn't necessarily mean wasted RAM, as it helps provide instantaneous responses. However, Microsoft has aimed to balance necessary background processes with freeing up system capacity, addressing concerns about unnecessary telemetry and inefficient resource management.