Insights Everyday Tech
Windows 11 now runs faster on 8GB PCs: how to get the update
The short version
Microsoft says a Windows 11 update makes PCs with 8GB of memory more responsive and quicker at juggling several tasks. You need version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later, plus up-to-date apps.
What happened
Microsoft says the update is up to 20% more responsive on 8GB machines, and in its own lab test a heavy multitasking job finished up to 40% faster. The gains come from Windows keeping up to 2GB more of your active work in fast memory, so open apps and browser tabs reload less often.
Other changes: on 8GB PCs Widgets only loads when opened, Edge puts unused tabs to sleep after 15 minutes instead of two hours, and Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook use less memory. Teams can switch on a lighter mode by default.
These are Microsoft's own figures, measured on specific test PCs, so results will vary.
Why it matters to you
Memory prices have risen sharply, so upgrading an older PC costs more than it used to. An update that Microsoft says makes an 8GB machine feel quicker may help it last longer for everyday work such as browsing, Office files and video calls.
Microsoft is clear that heavy jobs like 3D modelling or advanced video editing still suit 16GB or more.
What to do
Open Settings, then Windows Update, switch on the option to get the latest updates as soon as they are available, and select Check for updates. To see your version, go to Settings, System, About.
Also update Edge, Microsoft 365 and Teams, because some gains arrive through app updates. If your PC does not offer the update, it may not qualify.
Sources
- Raising the bar for 8 GB Windows 11 PCs: what's improved and how to get it Windows Experience Blog (Microsoft) (opens in a new tab)
- Microsoft improves Windows 11 performance on 8 GB PCs as RAM prices keep climbing The Register (opens in a new tab)
- Windows 11 can run better on PCs with 8GB now, Microsoft says – here's why ZDNET (opens in a new tab)
Researched and written by our automated news system.
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