Microsoft says Windows 11 updates make PCs with 8GB of RAM up to 20% more responsive and a demanding multitasking workflow up to 40% faster in its tests. The company has adjusted memory compression, reduced background work during user actions and cut memory use in Windows and some apps. It says Windows can keep up to 2GB more active data in memory instead of moving it to slower storage [windows.com][theverge.com]. The changes target a market where memory costs and supply constraints are pushing manufacturers toward machines with less memory, while AI data centers add pressure to component supplies [digitaltrends.com][theregister.com]. Microsoft tested the multitasking claim on a single HP OmniBook 3 with 8GB of RAM, opening 20 Edge tabs, a 4K video, Office files, Outlook and File Explorer. The company cautions that results vary by device and workload [hindustantimes.com][frandroid.com]. The optimizations are available in Windows 11 version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later, with updated Microsoft apps. Microsoft says demanding work such as advanced video editing and 3D modeling still benefits from 16GB or more [windows.com][windowsreport.com]. Highlights: • Memory savings: In Microsoft’s multitasking measurements, Windows, Edge and Microsoft 365 reduced committed-memory growth by up to 900MB; Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook accounted for as much as 360MB [windows.com][zdnet.com]. • Background apps: On PCs with 8GB of RAM or less, Widgets load only when opened, saving roughly 200MB while closed, and Edge puts inactive tabs to sleep after 15 minutes rather than two hours [windows.com][theverge.com]. • App launches: Microsoft says Edge can open up to 33% faster when already running in the background, while Teams’ Efficiency Mode can improve launch speed by up to 20% on 8GB PCs [windows.com][betanews.com]. • Broader testing: Microsoft says its labs assess fixes across more than 20,000 PCs, using automated browsing, Microsoft 365, video-call and download workloads, and high-speed cameras to time screen responses [zdnet.com]. • Future work: Microsoft says it plans to make Windows features share components and streamline WinUI apps such as File Explorer and Notepad [theverge.com][tomshardware.com]. Perspectives: PCMag reviewer Chris Hoffman: After retesting an 8GB Windows 11 laptop, Hoffman said everyday multitasking felt noticeably better, but the configuration still did not suit his heavier professional use [pcmag.com]. (PCMag) PCWorld: The publication argued that Windows changes cannot solve the problem if other software remains memory-intensive. It cited apps that may need 8GB just to run and developers adding memory-heavy AI features [pcworld.com]. (PCWorld) "For many people, 8 GB is a great fit for the things they do every day." — Pavan Davuluri, executive vice president of Windows and Devices at Microsoft Sources: • Windows 11 can run better on PCs with 8GB now, Microsoft says – here’s why - zdnet.com • Windows 11 is getting much-needed optimizations for PCs with just 8GB of RAM - digitaltrends.com • Windows 11 8GB RAM configurations get a performance boost - tomshardware.com • Microsoft reveals how it made Windows 11 faster on 8GB PCs - betanews.com • Microsoft improves Windows 11 performance on 8 GB PCs as RAM prices keep climbing - theregister.com • Microsoft thinks 8GB of RAM is enough for Windows 11, pushes holiday deals on budget laptops - neowin.net • Windows 11 is now ‘up to 40 percent faster’ on PCs with 8GB of RAM - theverge.com • I Told You Not to Buy an 8GB Windows Laptop. I Was Wrong - pcmag.com • Microsoft is optimizing Windows for 8GB PCs, but it may be in vain - pcworld.com • Microsoft details how it's made Windows 11 optimized for 8GB RAM PCs - windowscentral.com • Microsoft Claims Windows 11 Is Faster on PCs With 8GB of RAM After Memory Optimization Push - windowsreport.com • Microsoft quietly made Windows 11 run better on 8GB PCs — I found 3 affordable laptops from $599 that I'd actually buy - windowscentral.com • Microsoft explica como Windows 11 ficou mais rápido em PCs com 8 GB de RAM - tudocelular.com • Microsoft Has Listed Some Concrete Ways That Windows 11 Is Getting Better With 8GB Of RAM - engadget.com • Windows 11 wird schneller: Microsoft optimiert Leistung bei wenig RAM - stadt-bremerhaven.de • Windows 11 er et annet beist nå - itavisen.no • Microsoft’s own video show how badly Windows 11 struggled on 8GB RAM PCs, and how much faster it is now - windowslatest.com • Microsoft made Windows 11 more responsive on these 8GB laptops - windowscentral.com • Raising the bar for 8 GB Windows 11 PCs: what’s improved and how to get it - windows.com • Microsoft spent two years telling you to buy 16GB of RAM, now it says 8GB is “a great fit” for Windows 11, as RAM prices soar and it promotes $429 8GB laptops - windowslatest.com • Mälupõud sundis dieedile: Windows 11 saab 8 GB mäluga jalad alla - am.ee • Windows 11 8GB RAM configurations get a performance boost — As AI demand keeps pushing prices up, Microsoft says Windows is now 20% more responsive, multitasking 40% faster on memory-constrained machines - reddit.com • Windows 11 Diklaim 40 Persen Lebih Cepat untuk Multitasking di PC RAM 8GB - mediaindonesia.com • Microsoft wants Windows 11 to do more with less as PC memory stays costly - hindustantimes.com • Microsoft: Windows 11 is 'tot 40 procent sneller' bij multitasken met 8GB ram - tweakers.net • Microsoft admits Windows 11 was moving your open apps to slower storage on 8GB RAM PCs, which is why they reload, and now it keeps up to 2GB more in memory - windowslatest.com • Windows 11 : Microsoft promet des PC à 8 Go de RAM « jusqu’à 40 % plus rapides » - frandroid.com • 微軟公布Windows 11 26H2對8GB記憶體電腦效能最佳化細節，同步將AI PC重新劃分為4大級距 - mashdigi.com • Microsoft is eager to prove Windows 11 is just as good as macOS on 8GB RAM: Says Windows is now 20% more responsive and 40% faster at multitasking compared to a year ago - windowscentral.com • Windows 11 can now keep up to 2GB more of your apps in RAM on 8GB PCs, so tabs you left open won’t reload as often - reddit.com • Microsoft’s Windows EVP Pavan Davuluri Believes “Your PC Should Respond When You Need It To,” Saying 8GB Systems Now Offer Up To 40% Faster Multitasking - wccftech.com --- 📰 Story aggregated by Kagi News