Windows 11 26H2 Update Cuts RAM Usage by 3GB

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 26H2 update has been rolled out with a notable improvement in RAM usage, though the company has not officially documented the changes. According to reports from Windows Latest, the operating system now consumes significantly less memory when idle. For instance, RAM usage has dropped from around 10GB to 7GB, a reduction of 3GB. Some Reddit users have also reported decreases of about 2GB in idle RAM usage.

This update is particularly beneficial for devices with limited RAM, such as laptops with 8GB or 16GB of memory. While Microsoft aims to optimize Windows 11 for devices with 8GB or more, even these improvements may not fully address the usability challenges faced by lower-RAM systems. The author of the report noted that after a restart, their laptop showed 7.0GB of RAM in use out of 15.7GB, with several startup applications contributing to the usage.

Microsoft has acknowledged the need to further optimize Windows 11's memory usage, especially given the high cost of RAM in today's market. The company is prioritizing efficiency improvements, and the Windows 11 26H2 update includes performance-boosting features like the Low Latency Profile, which can reduce app boot times by enabling a momentary CPU boost. The update marks a step forward in making Windows 11 more efficient, though the OS still has room for further improvements.

Under the leadership of Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's Windows team has made significant strides in enhancing the operating system. However, many of these improvements should have been part of Windows 11 at its launch. Despite its progress, Windows 11 is still evolving and has a long way to go before reaching its full potential.