"Rising cost of memory," Microsoft explains why Windows 11 will use less RAM
4 hours ago
- Microsoft's Windows chief admits rising memory costs are driving efforts to reduce Windows 11 RAM usage.
- Memory optimization for systems with 8GB and above is an official priority for the rest of 2026.
- Improvements are being made across the memory manager, memory compression, WinUI 3, and WebView2.
- Optional features like AI will only consume RAM when actively used, while the base OS becomes more efficient.
- Microsoft itself contributed to the RAM problem by promoting higher memory usage, but now AI-driven demand has raised DRAM prices.
- OEMs are reintroducing 8GB laptops, and Microsoft is selling an 8GB Surface Laptop while adjusting its recommendations.
- Specific fixes include a more efficient memory allocator and optimizations for Chromium and WebView2 components.
- Microsoft's own apps like Teams and Weather are criticized for excessive RAM usage; moving to WinUI 3 is suggested.