Windows 11 Now Runs Faster on 8GB RAM PCs: How to Get It

Good news if your laptop only has 8GB of RAM. Microsoft has rolled out a set of Windows 11 performance improvements aimed at 8GB PCs, promising faster multitasking, fewer reloading tabs and lower memory use in Edge, Teams and Microsoft 365.

How much faster is Windows 11 now?

According to Microsoft:

• Everyday tasks are up to 20% faster than with the January 2026 Windows update.
• Multitasking is up to 40% faster in Microsoft's heavy test, with 20 Edge tabs, a 4K video, Office files, Outlook and File Explorer open at the same time.

Microsoft says real results will depend on your PC and what you use it for.

What changed

Smarter memory management

Windows can now keep up to 2GB more active data in RAM instead of pushing it to slower storage. That means fewer apps and browser tabs need to reload when you switch back to them. Windows also gives more priority to the apps you are actually using, not background tasks.

Faster Edge, with sleeping tabs sooner

• Edge can open up to 33% faster when launched from Start or from a link.
• Inactive tabs now go to sleep after 15 minutes by default, instead of two hours, freeing up memory.

Lighter Teams and Microsoft 365

• Teams can switch on Efficiency Mode by default on 8GB PCs, which Microsoft says cuts resource use and improves launch times by up to 20%.
• Changes to Edge and Microsoft 365 save up to 900MB of memory in Microsoft's multitasking test.

Widgets load only when you open them

On PCs with 8GB of RAM or less, Widgets now load only when opened, saving about 200MB while closed.

How to get the Windows 11 8GB RAM improvements

The improvements come with Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later, plus app updates.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they're available.
3. Click Check for updates and install everything offered.
4. Update Microsoft Edge, Microsoft 365 and Teams, since some changes arrive through these apps.

Extra tips for 8GB laptops

• Keep fewer browser tabs open and let Edge sleep the rest.
• Disable startup apps you don't need: Task Manager > Startup apps.
• Keep at least 20GB of free disk space so Windows has room to work.
• If your laptop has a free RAM slot, upgrading to 16GB is still the biggest speed boost you can buy.

Want more Windows tricks? Try Windows God Mode to reach every setting from one folder.

FAQs

Is 8GB RAM enough for Windows 11?

For browsing, Office work and video, yes, and these updates make it smoother. For heavy gaming or video editing, 16GB is better.

Which Windows 11 version has the improvements?

Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later.

Do I need to do anything?

Install the latest Windows update and update Edge, Microsoft 365 and Teams.

Will this help PCs with 4GB RAM?

Microsoft targeted 8GB PCs, but the Widgets change applies to PCs with 8GB or less.

How much RAM does your laptop have? Tell us in the comments and join our Telegram channel for more PC tips.