Microsoft says Windows 11 is now 20% faster and uses less memory
Microsoft says Windows 11 has become up to 20% more responsive following a series of performance and memory optimisations, with particularly noticeable improvements on computers equipped with 8GB of RAM.
The company outlined the changes in an official blog post published on October 15, detailing improvements to system responsiveness, resource management and everyday applications.
According to Microsoft’s internal testing, Windows 11 build 26300.9550 delivers response times up to 20% faster than build 26200.7628, released in January 2026.
The comparison covers frequently used features, including the Start menu, File Explorer, Search, Settings, Snipping Tool and right-click context menus. Microsoft cautioned that actual improvements may vary depending on hardware, configuration and usage.
Windows 11 becomes more efficient on PCs with 8GB of RAM
One of the most significant changes concerns how Windows 11 manages memory on less powerful computers.
Microsoft says its optimisations allow PCs with 8GB of RAM to keep up to 2GB more active data in memory instead of transferring it to slower storage.
The improvement should help reduce delays when switching between applications, opening multiple browser tabs or running several programmes simultaneously.
The company has also changed how Widgets operate on systems with 8GB of RAM or less. Instead of occupying memory in the background, Widgets now load only when users open them.
According to Microsoft, this adjustment alone can free up more than 200MB of RAM for other applications.
Other improvements coming to Windows 11
Alongside performance gains, Microsoft announced several updates to the operating system’s everyday features.
Windows Search is receiving a redesigned interface that allows users to perform certain actions directly from search results. For example, users can change dark mode settings or organise open windows without navigating through separate menus.
The updated Search experience is currently available to Windows Insiders, with a wider rollout planned for later in 2026.
Microsoft has also improved Windows Update to reduce installation times and unnecessary restarts, while Bluetooth enhancements are intended to make headphone connections more reliable. AirPods pairing can now be up to 15 seconds faster.
The redesigned Photos application launches up to 20% faster and introduces a new gallery interface, improved editing tools and easier access to connected photo libraries.
Windows 11 is also receiving expanded smartphone integration, allowing users to access messages, notifications and supported Android applications directly from their computers.
The company said the improvements are beginning to roll out more broadly, although availability will depend on individual devices and regions.
