Microsoft says Windows 11 updates improve performance on 8GB PCs

Technology · First reported 3 Nov, 17:00 · Updated 17:04

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA/USGS · Public domain

Microsoft says recent Windows 11 changes improve memory use and responsiveness, with some tasks running up to 40% faster in its tests. The updates target PCs with 8GB of RAM and are included in Windows 11 26H2 builds, though results depend on the task and hardware.

Microsoft says the latest Windows 11 updates can keep up to 2GB more active data in memory and reduce memory use across Windows, Microsoft 365 and Edge by up to 900MB.
In Microsoft’s tests, certain everyday interactions were up to 20% faster than in the January 2026 version, while a multitasking test on an 8GB PC was up to 40% faster.
Microsoft says the changes are available in Windows 11 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later; build 26300.9711 is also sufficient for now.

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Key facts

Reported improvement in multitasking test: Up to 40% faster than the January 2026 version, according to Microsoft.
Everyday interactions: Up to 20% faster than the January 2026 version, according to Microsoft.
Active data kept in memory: Up to 2GB more, according to Microsoft.
Reported memory reduction across Windows, Microsoft 365 and Edge: Up to 900MB.
Recommended Windows version: Windows 11 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later; build 26300.9711 is also described as sufficient for now.