Microsoft is working on performance optimizations for Windows 11 to improve the user experience on devices equipped with 8GB of RAM. Vice President of the Windows and Devices division, Mark Linton, announced these plans during the IFA 2026 event.
The upcoming updates aim to reduce system boot times and enhance the responsiveness of security features like Windows Hello. While internal tests already show faster startup speeds, the company has not yet released specific performance metrics regarding these improvements.
The shift in strategy comes as rising memory costs impact overall PC pricing. By optimizing the operating system for lower memory configurations, Microsoft intends to keep 8GB devices functional, despite previously setting 16GB as the standard for Windows PCs.
For AI-powered PCs, the 16GB RAM requirement remains in place. Consequently, devices with 8GB of memory, including some Surface Laptop models, will not support all Windows AI hardware features. The company continues to refine the system based on user feedback.