Windows 11 Gets Faster: Microsoft Improves OS Performance on Modest Hardware

Windows 11 Gets Faster: Microsoft Improves OS Performance on Modest Hardware

October 16, 2026

Windows 11 Gets Faster: Microsoft Improves OS Performance on Modest Hardware

Microsoft has announced performance improvements for the Windows 11 operating system, boosting its responsiveness by up to 20%. The updates enhance the efficiency of RAM and system resource usage, allowing the OS to run more smoothly—particularly on devices equipped with 8GB of RAM.

These enhancements are part of a broader initiative launched by the company in early 2026 to refine Windows 11, with a focus on performance and improving the day-to-day user experience following months of ongoing updates and fixes.

Navjot Virk, Vice President of Windows Experiences at Microsoft, stated that the company has optimized memory management and system resource efficiency, enabling more of the computer’s power to be dedicated to the tasks the user is actively performing.

He added that the improvements allow the system to keep active user data in the RAM rather than offloading it to slower storage drives, with the capacity to retain an additional 2GB of data in memory.

The new optimizations target computers with 8GB of RAM or less. Windows 11 now defers the loading of interface elements that are not constantly in use—such as the "Widgets" section, which is only loaded when the user opens it. This move frees up more than 200 MB of RAM for other applications and tasks, reducing the strain on hardware with limited resources and improving overall system fluidity.

Enhancements also extend to the Start menu, File Explorer, Search, and the Edge browser, alongside improvements to resource management mechanisms across various parts of the system.

Microsoft has also made adjustments to minimize the disruption caused by Windows updates, improved the Widgets section, and—finally—enabled the taskbar to be moved to the top or sides of the screen, rather than being restricted to the bottom.

Furthermore, the company has accelerated the sign-in process via Windows Hello and improved the reliability of pairing with external Bluetooth devices, such as AirPods.

Microsoft is also preparing to roll out a new search experience in Windows 11, which offers faster performance and enhanced capabilities for locating files and information.

This experience is currently available to participants in the Windows Insider program, with a broader release planned before the end of 2026.