Microsoft has released the 26H2 update for Windows 11, which aims to optimize system memory usage. Users report varying results, with some successfully freeing up between 1.5 GB and 2.1 GB of RAM after installation.
The update follows a mid-2026 commitment from Microsoft to improve memory efficiency in response to global hardware shortages driven by artificial intelligence. The company previously faced criticism for rising system requirements.
Evidence from users on platforms like X and Reddit shows significant reductions in RAM consumption, such as a drop from 9.1 GB to 7.5 GB. However, the effect is not universal, as some users with 8 GB of RAM report no change.
Experts note that these performance improvements appear to be configuration-dependent. There is currently no guarantee that the 26H2 update will provide consistent memory savings across all hardware setups.
