Overview
- Microsoft began rolling the changes this week through Windows 11 26H2 (build 26300.9818 or later) and coordinated app updates for Edge, Microsoft 365 and Teams.
- Engine and OS tweaks include tuned memory compression that can keep up to about 2 GB more active data in RAM so apps and tabs reload less often.
- Windows now reduces background preloads on devices with 8 GB or less, shortens Edge tab sleep intervals to 15 minutes, and applies app changes that Microsoft says can free roughly 900 MB of committed memory in multitasking tests.
- The company reports lab results of up to 20% better responsiveness and up to 40% faster multitasking using a 20‑tab + 4K video + Office workload, but it warns real‑world gains will vary by device, drivers and region.
- The work responds to 2026 memory shortages that pushed OEMs to ship more 8 GB systems and could make budget laptops more usable, though independent testing and a staged rollout mean many users may not see immediate benefits.