Microsoft Updates Windows 11 to Boost 8GB RAM Performance

Microsoft released a Windows 11 update, version 26H2 build 26300.9818 or later, to optimize performance for PCs equipped with 8GB of RAM. The company reports that these systems are now up to 20% more responsive and can multitask up to 40% faster.

Technical enhancements include dynamic scaling of background processes, such as search indexing, to prioritize active tasks. The update also introduces improved background data compression, enabling the operating system to maintain up to 2GB more active data in memory. To further reduce resource strain, Microsoft implemented a 15-minute sleep timer for inactive Edge tabs and configured Widgets to load only when opened.

Microsoft optimized its core application suite, including Teams, Outlook, and Office 365, which reduced memory growth by up to 900 MB. The company stated that these software improvements, when paired with modern hardware like the 2026 Dell XPS 13, allow current 8GB systems to match the performance of 16GB systems from 2021.