Overview
- On Wednesday Microsoft published test results saying updated Windows 11 builds deliver up to 20% faster responsiveness and up to 40% faster multitasking on 8 GB systems compared with January 2026 builds.
- The improvements come from stronger memory compression that Microsoft says can free roughly 2 GB of effective RAM, plus foreground prioritization, deferred background work and faster sleeping of inactive Edge tabs.
- Many gains depend on app updates instead of OS changes alone, and Microsoft cites specific savings in Edge, Microsoft 365 and Teams that reduce memory use during common workflows.
- Users must run Windows 11 26H2 (build 26300.9818 or later) and keep Edge, Microsoft 365 and Teams updated for most improvements to apply, so adoption and update settings will shape who benefits.
- Analysts warn the changes will not replace higher RAM for heavy tasks and could be blunted if major third‑party apps such as Google Chrome do not cut their memory use, but the work could lower entry costs for basic productivity PCs while the industry faces rising RAM prices.