Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update is producing unexpected performance improvements, with some users reporting substantially lower memory consumption and faster responses when opening applications and
navigating the operating system.
Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Usage by Up to 3GB and Delivers Noticeable Performance Improvements
October 8, 2026 | Technology & Operating Systems
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update is producing...
RAM Consumption Drops Sharply in Early Testing
computer regularly consumed more than 10GB of RAM shortly after startup
With Windows 11 26H2 installed, Task Manager reported approximately 7GB in use following a fresh restart.
Low Latency Profile Makes Windows Feel Faster
Alongside the reported memory improvements, Microsoft has been expanding a performance feature designed to make frequently used parts of Windows respond more quickly.
users upgrading... "may" notice a faster and more responsive computer <=== delusional
Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Usage by Up to 3GB and Delivers Noticeable Performance Improvements
October 8, 2026 | Technology & Operating Systems
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update is producing unexpected performance improvements, with some users reporting substantially lower memory consumption and faster responses when opening applications and
navigating the operating system.
Windows 11 version 26H2, released on September 29, was initially
presented as a relatively modest annual update. However, early testing suggests that months of behind-the-scenes optimization work may finally
be delivering measurable benefits.
Technology publication Windows Latest documented a significant reduction
in RAM usage on a laptop equipped with 16GB of memory. Following the
update, the computer consumed approximately 7GB immediately after restarting, compared with more than 10GB under its previous configuration.
Other users have reported similar improvements, with some systems
recovering between 1.5GB and 3GB of available memory.
The performance gains extend beyond memory management. A feature called
Low Latency Profile is also helping Windows respond more quickly when launching programs, opening system menus and performing everyday tasks.
Microsoft has not officially attributed the reported memory reductions
to version 26H2, and results vary considerably between computers.
RAM Consumption Drops Sharply in Early Testing
One of the most striking observations comes from testing performed on a three-year-old laptop with 16GB of installed memory.
Before the update, the computer regularly consumed more than 10GB of RAM shortly after startup, even before additional applications were opened.
With Windows 11 26H2 installed, Task Manager reported approximately 7GB
in use following a fresh restart.
The improvement continued when the system was placed under a demanding workload.
Testing involved running Microsoft Edge with numerous resource-intensive browser tabs, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Outlook and a YouTube video
playing at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second.
Despite the simultaneous activity, memory utilization remained around 87%.
Additional applications, including Spotify, Microsoft Store, Paint,
Notepad and Lenovo Vantage, pushed consumption to approximately 89%.
Under earlier configurations, similar or lighter workloads had
reportedly caused memory usage to exceed 95%.
The results suggest that Windows may be managing available memory more effectively, particularly when several applications compete for system resources.
However, these observations come from individual computers rather than a standardized benchmark conducted across a large selection of hardware.
Changes in startup programs, application versions and cached memory can
also affect the results.
Computers With 32GB and 48GB of RAM Show Similar Improvements
Reports from other Windows 11 users indicate that the reductions are not limited to computers with 16GB of memory.
One user with a 32GB system reported that startup memory consumption decreased from approximately 9.1GB under Windows 11 25H2 to 7.5GB after upgrading.
Another user, whose computer contains 48GB of RAM, reported recovering approximately 2GB of memory.
These findings suggest that the improvements may affect several hardware configurations.
However, owners of computers with only 8GB of RAM have not consistently experienced the same benefits.
At least one reported test showed essentially unchanged memory
utilization following the update.
This distinction is important because entry-level laptops and desktops
often have the greatest need for improved memory efficiency.
Systems with limited RAM can experience slowdowns when Windows must move data between physical memory and storage.
Microsoft has identified improving performance on 8GB computers as a priority, but the latest user reports suggest that further work may be necessary.
There is currently no evidence that every Windows 11 computer will
recover several gigabytes of memory simply by installing version 26H2.
Low Latency Profile Makes Windows Feel Faster
Alongside the reported memory improvements, Microsoft has been expanding
a performance feature designed to make frequently used parts of Windows respond more quickly.
Known as Low Latency Profile, the technology temporarily increases
processor performance when the user performs certain actions.
Opening the Start menu, launching an application or accessing Windows
Search can trigger a short period of increased CPU activity.
The processor may operate near its maximum frequency for approximately
one to three seconds before returning to a more energy-efficient state.
This technique allows short tasks to finish more quickly without
requiring the processor to maintain elevated clock speeds continuously.
The approach is sometimes described as "race to sleep," referring to the idea that completing work quickly allows the processor to return to an
idle state sooner.
Earlier testing by Windows Central found that the technology could
improve the responsiveness of system menus by as much as 70%.
Application launch times improved by up to 40% in certain tests.
Those figures represent measured results under specific conditions
rather than guaranteed improvements for every Windows computer.
Nevertheless, the feature addresses a common complaint among Windows 11 users: small but noticeable delays when interacting with the desktop interface.
Applications may feel faster even when their underlying processing requirements remain largely unchanged.
Why the Improvements Are Appearing With Windows 11 26H2
Although users are noticing these changes after installing the new
version, Windows 11 26H2 is not a complete operating system replacement.
Microsoft distributes the update through an enablement package, a
relatively small installation that activates selected features already present within the existing Windows codebase.
Versions 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 share the same servicing foundation.
This allows Microsoft to introduce improvements through regular monthly updates before activating them more broadly during an annual release.
Low Latency Profile followed this approach.
Performance enhancements began reaching supported Windows 11 computers earlier in 2026, with additional improvements to application launching arriving during the summer.
However, Microsoft's controlled rollout system meant that not every
computer received the same features at the same time.
Two machines running the same Windows version could therefore behave differently depending on which improvements had been activated.
Version 26H2 brings together those changes and makes more of the
previously introduced capabilities available to eligible systems.
The update may consequently appear more substantial to users who had not received the earlier performance enhancements.
Microsoft's official documentation confirms that 26H2 consolidates
features introduced through previous updates, but it does not identify a specific reduction in RAM consumption as a guaranteed improvement.
Microsoft Has Been Working to Reduce Windows Memory Demands
The improvements follow a broader effort within Microsoft to address criticism of Windows 11's resource requirements.
The company has acknowledged concerns about the growing cost of computer memory and the performance difficulties encountered by devices with
limited RAM.
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's president of Windows and Devices, has
discussed work involving several components responsible for memory consumption and application performance.
These include the Windows memory manager, memory compression
technologies, WinUI and WebView2.
The memory manager determines how physical RAM is allocated among applications and operating system processes.
Memory compression helps reduce the need to move information onto slower storage devices when available RAM becomes limited.
WinUI provides interface components used in modern Windows applications, while WebView2 allows developers to integrate web-based content into
desktop software.
Optimizing these components could potentially reduce unnecessary
resource consumption across multiple applications.
However, Microsoft has not confirmed which particular changes are responsible for the reductions observed by Windows Latest.
The improvements could reflect several optimizations introduced over
recent months rather than a single change contained in the 26H2 update.
Lower RAM Usage Does Not Always Mean Better Performance
The reported reductions are encouraging, but memory consumption figures should be interpreted carefully.
Windows routinely uses available RAM to cache files and application data that may be needed again.
This can make the operating system appear to consume substantial memory
even when the computer is functioning normally.
Cached information is generally released when applications require additional resources.
As a result, a system displaying higher memory consumption is not necessarily performing worse than one showing lower figures.
The more important measurements include how quickly applications
respond, whether the computer experiences excessive disk activity and
how effectively Windows handles competing workloads.
A genuine improvement in memory management should help reduce
unnecessary slowdowns without sacrificing application stability.
For computers with soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded, better memory efficiency may be particularly valuable.
Users could potentially extend the useful life of their existing
hardware rather than purchasing a replacement computer solely to obtain additional memory.
Still, the reported results need broader independent testing before
their overall impact can be established.
How Windows 11 Users Can Get the 26H2 Update
Microsoft began making Windows 11 version 26H2 generally available on September 29, 2026.
The release is being distributed gradually to eligible computers running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
Users can check whether the update is available by opening Settings, selecting Windows Update and checking for new updates.
Microsoft also provides an option to receive the latest updates as soon
as they become available.
Enabling that setting may allow eligible devices to receive the annual update earlier during the phased rollout.
Because version 26H2 uses an enablement package, installation should be considerably faster than a traditional major operating system upgrade.
In most cases, Microsoft says the transition requires only one restart.
However, the update may not appear immediately on every computer.
Availability depends on device compatibility, rollout timing and any restrictions Microsoft applies to systems affected by known issues.
Users should also remember that version 26H2 is not free from problems.
Microsoft's release health documentation currently identifies an issue affecting certain applications that rely on Windows' built-in AC-3 audio decoding. Some affected programs may fail to launch or close unexpectedly.
The company is working on a correction.
Windows 11 Performance Improvements Remain a Work in Progress
For much of its five-year history, Windows 11 has faced criticism over
its hardware requirements, background resource consumption and
occasional interface delays.
The arrival of version 26H2 suggests that Microsoft is placing greater emphasis on improving the experience of people using existing computers.
Faster menus, shorter application launch times and potentially lower
memory consumption are practical changes that can matter more during everyday use than additional interface features.
The early results are promising, particularly for computers equipped
with 16GB or more of RAM.
Yet the uneven reports from 8GB systems show that the benefits are not universal.
Microsoft has also not published official benchmark results establishing that the update consistently reduces memory consumption by a particular amount.
More testing will be needed to determine how much of the improvement
comes directly from Windows 11 26H2 and how much reflects optimizations delivered through earlier updates.
For now, users upgrading to the latest release may notice a faster and
more responsive computer, with some also finding that Windows leaves considerably more memory available for their applications.
Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Usage by Up to 3GB and Delivers Noticeable Performance Improvements
October 8, 2026 | Technology & Operating Systems
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update is producing unexpected performance improvements,
with some users reporting substantially lower memory consumption and faster responses when
opening applications and navigating the operating system.
Windows 11 version 26H2, released on September 29, was initially presented as a relatively
modest annual update. However, early testing suggests that months of behind-the-scenes
optimization work may finally be delivering measurable benefits.
Technology publication Windows Latest documented a significant reduction in RAM usage on a
laptop equipped with 16GB of memory. Following the update, the computer consumed
approximately 7GB immediately after restarting, compared with more than 10GB under its
previous configuration.
Other users have reported similar improvements, with some systems recovering between 1.5GB
and 3GB of available memory.
The performance gains extend beyond memory management. A feature called Low Latency
Profile is also helping Windows respond more quickly when launching programs, opening
system menus and performing everyday tasks.
Microsoft has not officially attributed the reported memory reductions to version 26H2,
and results vary considerably between computers.
RAM Consumption Drops Sharply in Early Testing
One of the most striking observations comes from testing performed on a three-year-old
laptop with 16GB of installed memory.
Before the update, the computer regularly consumed more than 10GB of RAM shortly after
startup, even before additional applications were opened.
With Windows 11 26H2 installed, Task Manager reported approximately 7GB in use following a
fresh restart.
The improvement continued when the system was placed under a demanding workload.
Testing involved running Microsoft Edge with numerous resource-intensive browser tabs,
Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Outlook and a YouTube video playing at 4K resolution and 60
frames per second.
Despite the simultaneous activity, memory utilization remained around 87%.
Additional applications, including Spotify, Microsoft Store, Paint, Notepad and Lenovo
Vantage, pushed consumption to approximately 89%.
Under earlier configurations, similar or lighter workloads had reportedly caused memory
usage to exceed 95%.
The results suggest that Windows may be managing available memory more effectively,
particularly when several applications compete for system resources.
However, these observations come from individual computers rather than a standardized
benchmark conducted across a large selection of hardware.
Changes in startup programs, application versions and cached memory can also affect the
results.
Computers With 32GB and 48GB of RAM Show Similar Improvements
Reports from other Windows 11 users indicate that the reductions are not limited to
computers with 16GB of memory.
One user with a 32GB system reported that startup memory consumption decreased from
approximately 9.1GB under Windows 11 25H2 to 7.5GB after upgrading.
Another user, whose computer contains 48GB of RAM, reported recovering approximately 2GB
of memory.
These findings suggest that the improvements may affect several hardware configurations.
However, owners of computers with only 8GB of RAM have not consistently experienced the
same benefits.
At least one reported test showed essentially unchanged memory utilization following the
update.
This distinction is important because entry-level laptops and desktops often have the
greatest need for improved memory efficiency.
Systems with limited RAM can experience slowdowns when Windows must move data between
physical memory and storage.
Microsoft has identified improving performance on 8GB computers as a priority, but the
latest user reports suggest that further work may be necessary.
There is currently no evidence that every Windows 11 computer will recover several
gigabytes of memory simply by installing version 26H2.
Low Latency Profile Makes Windows Feel Faster
Alongside the reported memory improvements, Microsoft has been expanding a performance
feature designed to make frequently used parts of Windows respond more quickly.
Known as Low Latency Profile, the technology temporarily increases processor performance
when the user performs certain actions.
Opening the Start menu, launching an application or accessing Windows Search can trigger a
short period of increased CPU activity.
The processor may operate near its maximum frequency for approximately one to three
seconds before returning to a more energy-efficient state.
This technique allows short tasks to finish more quickly without requiring the processor
to maintain elevated clock speeds continuously.
The approach is sometimes described as "race to sleep," referring to the idea that
completing work quickly allows the processor to return to an idle state sooner.
Earlier testing by Windows Central found that the technology could improve the
responsiveness of system menus by as much as 70%.
Application launch times improved by up to 40% in certain tests.
Those figures represent measured results under specific conditions rather than guaranteed
improvements for every Windows computer.
Nevertheless, the feature addresses a common complaint among Windows 11 users: small but
noticeable delays when interacting with the desktop interface.
Applications may feel faster even when their underlying processing requirements remain
largely unchanged.
Why the Improvements Are Appearing With Windows 11 26H2
Although users are noticing these changes after installing the new version, Windows 11
26H2 is not a complete operating system replacement.
Microsoft distributes the update through an enablement package, a relatively small
installation that activates selected features already present within the existing Windows
codebase.
Versions 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 share the same servicing foundation.
This allows Microsoft to introduce improvements through regular monthly updates before
activating them more broadly during an annual release.
Low Latency Profile followed this approach.
Performance enhancements began reaching supported Windows 11 computers earlier in 2026,
with additional improvements to application launching arriving during the summer.
However, Microsoft's controlled rollout system meant that not every computer received the
same features at the same time.
Two machines running the same Windows version could therefore behave differently depending
on which improvements had been activated.
Version 26H2 brings together those changes and makes more of the previously introduced
capabilities available to eligible systems.
The update may consequently appear more substantial to users who had not received the
earlier performance enhancements.
Microsoft's official documentation confirms that 26H2 consolidates features introduced
through previous updates, but it does not identify a specific reduction in RAM consumption
as a guaranteed improvement.
Microsoft Has Been Working to Reduce Windows Memory Demands
The improvements follow a broader effort within Microsoft to address criticism of Windows
11's resource requirements.
The company has acknowledged concerns about the growing cost of computer memory and the
performance difficulties encountered by devices with limited RAM.
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's president of Windows and Devices, has discussed work involving
several components responsible for memory consumption and application performance.
These include the Windows memory manager, memory compression technologies, WinUI and
WebView2.
The memory manager determines how physical RAM is allocated among applications and
operating system processes.
Memory compression helps reduce the need to move information onto slower storage devices
when available RAM becomes limited.
WinUI provides interface components used in modern Windows applications, while WebView2
allows developers to integrate web-based content into desktop software.
Optimizing these components could potentially reduce unnecessary resource consumption
across multiple applications.
However, Microsoft has not confirmed which particular changes are responsible for the
reductions observed by Windows Latest.
The improvements could reflect several optimizations introduced over recent months rather
than a single change contained in the 26H2 update.
Lower RAM Usage Does Not Always Mean Better Performance
The reported reductions are encouraging, but memory consumption figures should be
interpreted carefully.
Windows routinely uses available RAM to cache files and application data that may be
needed again.
This can make the operating system appear to consume substantial memory even when the
computer is functioning normally.
Cached information is generally released when applications require additional resources.
As a result, a system displaying higher memory consumption is not necessarily performing
worse than one showing lower figures.
The more important measurements include how quickly applications respond, whether the
computer experiences excessive disk activity and how effectively Windows handles competing
workloads.
A genuine improvement in memory management should help reduce unnecessary slowdowns
without sacrificing application stability.
For computers with soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded, better memory efficiency may be
particularly valuable.
Users could potentially extend the useful life of their existing hardware rather than
purchasing a replacement computer solely to obtain additional memory.
Still, the reported results need broader independent testing before their overall impact
can be established.
How Windows 11 Users Can Get the 26H2 Update
Microsoft began making Windows 11 version 26H2 generally available on September 29, 2026.
The release is being distributed gradually to eligible computers running Windows 11
versions 24H2 and 25H2.
Users can check whether the update is available by opening Settings, selecting Windows
Update and checking for new updates.
Microsoft also provides an option to receive the latest updates as soon as they become
available.
Enabling that setting may allow eligible devices to receive the annual update earlier
during the phased rollout.
Because version 26H2 uses an enablement package, installation should be considerably
faster than a traditional major operating system upgrade.
In most cases, Microsoft says the transition requires only one restart.
However, the update may not appear immediately on every computer.
Availability depends on device compatibility, rollout timing and any restrictions
Microsoft applies to systems affected by known issues.
Users should also remember that version 26H2 is not free from problems.
Microsoft's release health documentation currently identifies an issue affecting certain
applications that rely on Windows' built-in AC-3 audio decoding. Some affected programs
may fail to launch or close unexpectedly.
The company is working on a correction.
Windows 11 Performance Improvements Remain a Work in Progress
For much of its five-year history, Windows 11 has faced criticism over its hardware
requirements, background resource consumption and occasional interface delays.
The arrival of version 26H2 suggests that Microsoft is placing greater emphasis on
improving the experience of people using existing computers.
Faster menus, shorter application launch times and potentially lower memory consumption
are practical changes that can matter more during everyday use than additional interface
features.
The early results are promising, particularly for computers equipped with 16GB or more of
RAM.
Yet the uneven reports from 8GB systems show that the benefits are not universal.
Microsoft has also not published official benchmark results establishing that the update
consistently reduces memory consumption by a particular amount.
More testing will be needed to determine how much of the improvement comes directly from
Windows 11 26H2 and how much reflects optimizations delivered through earlier updates.
For now, users upgrading to the latest release may notice a faster and more responsive
computer, with some also finding that Windows leaves considerably more memory available
for their applications.
MummyChunk wrote:
Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Usage by Up to 3GB and Delivers Noticeable Performance Improvements
October 8, 2026 | Technology & Operating Systems
The arrival of version 26H2 suggests that Microsoft is placing greater emphasis
on improving the experience of people using existing computers.
I've noticed a much improved speed on two PCs that I've updated.
The updates took mere minutes, and there's nothing visibly different. But some
sprightliness has emerged in the depths. I was copying some large files earlier
today, through USB from HD to HD, and it was running at 1.2Gb per sec. for a lot of the time.
Well done, MS! It's not often I say that.
Ed
On 10/8/2026 9:08 AM, MummyChunk wrote:
I also decreased the storage used on my HD by about 6-8Gigs.
This I like.
Ed Cryer wrote:
MummyChunk wrote:
Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Usage by Up to 3GB and Delivers Noticeable
Performance Improvements
October 8, 2026 | Technology & Operating Systems
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update is producing unexpected performance
improvements, with some users reporting substantially lower memory
consumption and faster responses when opening applications and
navigating the operating system.
Windows 11 version 26H2, released on September 29, was initially
presented as a relatively modest annual update. However, early testing
suggests that months of behind-the-scenes optimization work may finally
be delivering measurable benefits.
Technology publication Windows Latest documented a significant reduction
in RAM usage on a laptop equipped with 16GB of memory. Following the
update, the computer consumed approximately 7GB immediately after
restarting, compared with more than 10GB under its previous configuration. >>
Other users have reported similar improvements, with some systems
recovering between 1.5GB and 3GB of available memory.
The performance gains extend beyond memory management. A feature called
Low Latency Profile is also helping Windows respond more quickly when
launching programs, opening system menus and performing everyday tasks.
Microsoft has not officially attributed the reported memory reductions
to version 26H2, and results vary considerably between computers.
RAM Consumption Drops Sharply in Early Testing
One of the most striking observations comes from testing performed on a
three-year-old laptop with 16GB of installed memory.
Before the update, the computer regularly consumed more than 10GB of RAM
shortly after startup, even before additional applications were opened.
With Windows 11 26H2 installed, Task Manager reported approximately 7GB
in use following a fresh restart.
The improvement continued when the system was placed under a demanding
workload.
Testing involved running Microsoft Edge with numerous resource-intensive
browser tabs, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Outlook and a YouTube video
playing at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second.
Despite the simultaneous activity, memory utilization remained around 87%. >>
Additional applications, including Spotify, Microsoft Store, Paint,
Notepad and Lenovo Vantage, pushed consumption to approximately 89%.
Under earlier configurations, similar or lighter workloads had
reportedly caused memory usage to exceed 95%.
The results suggest that Windows may be managing available memory more
effectively, particularly when several applications compete for system
resources.
However, these observations come from individual computers rather than a
standardized benchmark conducted across a large selection of hardware.
Changes in startup programs, application versions and cached memory can
also affect the results.
Computers With 32GB and 48GB of RAM Show Similar Improvements
Reports from other Windows 11 users indicate that the reductions are not
limited to computers with 16GB of memory.
One user with a 32GB system reported that startup memory consumption
decreased from approximately 9.1GB under Windows 11 25H2 to 7.5GB after
upgrading.
Another user, whose computer contains 48GB of RAM, reported recovering
approximately 2GB of memory.
These findings suggest that the improvements may affect several hardware
configurations.
However, owners of computers with only 8GB of RAM have not consistently
experienced the same benefits.
At least one reported test showed essentially unchanged memory
utilization following the update.
This distinction is important because entry-level laptops and desktops
often have the greatest need for improved memory efficiency.
Systems with limited RAM can experience slowdowns when Windows must move
data between physical memory and storage.
Microsoft has identified improving performance on 8GB computers as a
priority, but the latest user reports suggest that further work may be
necessary.
There is currently no evidence that every Windows 11 computer will
recover several gigabytes of memory simply by installing version 26H2.
Low Latency Profile Makes Windows Feel Faster
Alongside the reported memory improvements, Microsoft has been expanding
a performance feature designed to make frequently used parts of Windows
respond more quickly.
Known as Low Latency Profile, the technology temporarily increases
processor performance when the user performs certain actions.
Opening the Start menu, launching an application or accessing Windows
Search can trigger a short period of increased CPU activity.
The processor may operate near its maximum frequency for approximately
one to three seconds before returning to a more energy-efficient state.
This technique allows short tasks to finish more quickly without
requiring the processor to maintain elevated clock speeds continuously.
The approach is sometimes described as "race to sleep," referring to the
idea that completing work quickly allows the processor to return to an
idle state sooner.
Earlier testing by Windows Central found that the technology could
improve the responsiveness of system menus by as much as 70%.
Application launch times improved by up to 40% in certain tests.
Those figures represent measured results under specific conditions
rather than guaranteed improvements for every Windows computer.
Nevertheless, the feature addresses a common complaint among Windows 11
users: small but noticeable delays when interacting with the desktop
interface.
Applications may feel faster even when their underlying processing
requirements remain largely unchanged.
Why the Improvements Are Appearing With Windows 11 26H2
Although users are noticing these changes after installing the new
version, Windows 11 26H2 is not a complete operating system replacement.
Microsoft distributes the update through an enablement package, a
relatively small installation that activates selected features already
present within the existing Windows codebase.
Versions 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 share the same servicing foundation.
This allows Microsoft to introduce improvements through regular monthly
updates before activating them more broadly during an annual release.
Low Latency Profile followed this approach.
Performance enhancements began reaching supported Windows 11 computers
earlier in 2026, with additional improvements to application launching
arriving during the summer.
However, Microsoft's controlled rollout system meant that not every
computer received the same features at the same time.
Two machines running the same Windows version could therefore behave
differently depending on which improvements had been activated.
Version 26H2 brings together those changes and makes more of the
previously introduced capabilities available to eligible systems.
The update may consequently appear more substantial to users who had not
received the earlier performance enhancements.
Microsoft's official documentation confirms that 26H2 consolidates
features introduced through previous updates, but it does not identify a
specific reduction in RAM consumption as a guaranteed improvement.
Microsoft Has Been Working to Reduce Windows Memory Demands
The improvements follow a broader effort within Microsoft to address
criticism of Windows 11's resource requirements.
The company has acknowledged concerns about the growing cost of computer
memory and the performance difficulties encountered by devices with
limited RAM.
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's president of Windows and Devices, has
discussed work involving several components responsible for memory
consumption and application performance.
These include the Windows memory manager, memory compression
technologies, WinUI and WebView2.
The memory manager determines how physical RAM is allocated among
applications and operating system processes.
Memory compression helps reduce the need to move information onto slower
storage devices when available RAM becomes limited.
WinUI provides interface components used in modern Windows applications,
while WebView2 allows developers to integrate web-based content into
desktop software.
Optimizing these components could potentially reduce unnecessary
resource consumption across multiple applications.
However, Microsoft has not confirmed which particular changes are
responsible for the reductions observed by Windows Latest.
The improvements could reflect several optimizations introduced over
recent months rather than a single change contained in the 26H2 update.
Lower RAM Usage Does Not Always Mean Better Performance
The reported reductions are encouraging, but memory consumption figures
should be interpreted carefully.
Windows routinely uses available RAM to cache files and application data
that may be needed again.
This can make the operating system appear to consume substantial memory
even when the computer is functioning normally.
Cached information is generally released when applications require
additional resources.
As a result, a system displaying higher memory consumption is not
necessarily performing worse than one showing lower figures.
The more important measurements include how quickly applications
respond, whether the computer experiences excessive disk activity and
how effectively Windows handles competing workloads.
A genuine improvement in memory management should help reduce
unnecessary slowdowns without sacrificing application stability.
For computers with soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded, better memory
efficiency may be particularly valuable.
Users could potentially extend the useful life of their existing
hardware rather than purchasing a replacement computer solely to obtain
additional memory.
Still, the reported results need broader independent testing before
their overall impact can be established.
How Windows 11 Users Can Get the 26H2 Update
Microsoft began making Windows 11 version 26H2 generally available on
September 29, 2026.
The release is being distributed gradually to eligible computers running
Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
Users can check whether the update is available by opening Settings,
selecting Windows Update and checking for new updates.
Microsoft also provides an option to receive the latest updates as soon
as they become available.
Enabling that setting may allow eligible devices to receive the annual
update earlier during the phased rollout.
Because version 26H2 uses an enablement package, installation should be
considerably faster than a traditional major operating system upgrade.
In most cases, Microsoft says the transition requires only one restart.
However, the update may not appear immediately on every computer.
Availability depends on device compatibility, rollout timing and any
restrictions Microsoft applies to systems affected by known issues.
Users should also remember that version 26H2 is not free from problems.
Microsoft's release health documentation currently identifies an issue
affecting certain applications that rely on Windows' built-in AC-3 audio
decoding. Some affected programs may fail to launch or close unexpectedly. >>
The company is working on a correction.
Windows 11 Performance Improvements Remain a Work in Progress
For much of its five-year history, Windows 11 has faced criticism over
its hardware requirements, background resource consumption and
occasional interface delays.
The arrival of version 26H2 suggests that Microsoft is placing greater
emphasis on improving the experience of people using existing computers.
Faster menus, shorter application launch times and potentially lower
memory consumption are practical changes that can matter more during
everyday use than additional interface features.
The early results are promising, particularly for computers equipped
with 16GB or more of RAM.
Yet the uneven reports from 8GB systems show that the benefits are not
universal.
Microsoft has also not published official benchmark results establishing
that the update consistently reduces memory consumption by a particular
amount.
More testing will be needed to determine how much of the improvement
comes directly from Windows 11 26H2 and how much reflects optimizations
delivered through earlier updates.
For now, users upgrading to the latest release may notice a faster and
more responsive computer, with some also finding that Windows leaves
considerably more memory available for their applications.
I've noticed a much improved speed on two PCs that I've updated.
The updates took mere minutes, and there's nothing visibly different.
But some sprightliness has emerged in the depths. I was copying some
large files earlier today, through USB from HD to HD, and it was running
at 1.2Gb per sec. for a lot of the time.
Well done, MS! It's not often I say that.
Ed
Alan K <AlanK@invalid.com> wrote:
On 10/8/2026 9:08 AM, MummyChunk wrote:
[Some 300 lines deleted!]
I also decreased the storage used on my HD by about 6-8Gigs.
This I like.
Come on, guys (yes, plural), do you really have to quote some 300
lines, to add your own few lines, while the 'Subject:' clearly indicates
what you're responding to!?
[N.B. This is by no means an exception, but lately it's getting worse,
hence this request.]
[FYI, I archive this and other groups 'forever', so for me it's wasted permanent storage. For others, it's surely also an unneeded nuisance.]
Alan K <AlanK@invalid.com> wrote:
On 10/8/2026 9:08 AM, MummyChunk wrote:
[Some 300 lines deleted!]
I also decreased the storage used on my HD by about 6-8Gigs.
This I like.
Come on, guys (yes, plural), do you really have to quote some 300
lines, to add your own few lines, while the 'Subject:' clearly
indicates what you're responding to!?
[N.B. This is by no means an exception, but lately it's getting worse,
hence this request.]
[FYI, I archive this and other groups 'forever', so for me it's wasted permanent storage. For others, it's surely also an unneeded nuisance.]
Frank Slootweg wrote:
Alan K <AlanK> wrote:
On 10/8/2026 9:08 AM, MummyChunk wrote:
[Some 300 lines deleted!]
I also decreased the storage used on my HD by about 6-8Gigs.
This I like.
Come on, guys (yes, plural), do you really have to quote some 300
lines, to add your own few lines, while the 'Subject:' clearly
indicates what you're responding to!?
[N.B. This is by no means an exception, but lately it's getting worse,
hence this request.]
[FYI, I archive this and other groups 'forever', so for me it's wasted permanent storage. For others, it's surely also an unneeded nuisance.]
I have the option here to reply with an easy snip - but even then,
there's always somebody that complains about that too.
--
Via JLA Forums web gateway for alt.comp.os.windows-11
If the saved memory number had not been a "characteristic number",
then maybe I would be impressed. As long as the number listed is
"2GB" or "3GB" in the article, I'm willing to equate that to the
removal of a 2.3GB sandbox OS copy in memory. That's the easiest
change you could make, to "achieve" such a result.
On 08/10/2026 17:32, Paul wrote:
If the saved memory number had not been a "characteristic number",
then maybe I would be impressed. As long as the number listed is
"2GB" or "3GB" in the article, I'm willing to equate that to the
removal of a 2.3GB sandbox OS copy in memory. That's the easiest
change you could make, to "achieve" such a result.
Windows Sandbox never had it's own copy of the OS in RAM. It has always minimized memory overhead by having the hypervisor's Extended Page Tables (EPT) map the sandbox's virtual memory directly to the same physical RAM pages containing read-only Windows binaries as used by the host.
Now whether or not task manager etc. counted this RAM twice or not I don't know.
There is a Sysinternals tool for viewing memory layout but
I have no idea how such an item would appear in there. The
output of that, has a very long list of items.
Alan K <AlanK@invalid.com> wrote:
On 10/8/2026 9:08 AM, MummyChunk wrote:
[Some 300 lines deleted!]
I also decreased the storage used on my HD by about 6-8Gigs.
This I like.
Come on, guys (yes, plural), do you really have to quote some 300
lines, to add your own few lines, while the 'Subject:' clearly
indicates what you're responding to!?
Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Usage by Up to 3GB and Delivers Noticeable Performance Improvements
October 8, 2026 | Technology & Operating Systems
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update is producing unexpected performance improvements, with some users reporting substantially lower memory consumption and faster responses when opening applications and navigating the operating system.8< snip >8
Windows 11 version 26H2, released on September 29, was initially presented as a relatively modest annual update. However, early testing suggests that months of behind-the-scenes optimization work may finally be delivering measurable benefits.
Technology publication Windows Latest documented a significant reduction in RAM usage on a laptop equipped with 16GB of memory. Following the update, the computer consumed approximately 7GB immediately after restarting, compared with more than 10GB under its previous configuration.
Other users have reported similar improvements, with some systems recovering between 1.5GB and 3GB of available memory.
MummyChunk wrote:From here apparently ...
Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Usage by Up to 3GB and Delivers Noticeable Performance Improvements
Please provide a URL. I can't read this word salad.
MummyChunk wrote:
Windows 11 26H2 Cuts RAM Usage by Up to 3GB and Delivers Noticeable Performance Improvements
October 8, 2026 | Technology & Operating Systems
Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update is producing unexpected performance improvements, with some users reporting substantially lower memory consumption and faster responses when opening applications and navigating the operating system.
Windows 11 version 26H2, released on September 29, was initially presented as a relatively modest annual update. However, early testing suggests that months of behind-the-scenes optimization work may finally be delivering measurable benefits.
Technology publication Windows Latest documented a significant reduction in RAM usage on a laptop equipped with 16GB of memory. Following the update, the computer consumed approximately 7GB immediately after restarting, compared with more than 10GB under its previous configuration.
Other users have reported similar improvements, with some systems recovering between 1.5GB and 3GB of available memory.
The performance gains extend beyond memory management. A feature called Low Latency Profile is also helping Windows respond more quickly when launching programs, opening system menus and performing everyday tasks.
Microsoft has not officially attributed the reported memory reductions to version 26H2, and results vary considerably between computers.
RAM Consumption Drops Sharply in Early Testing
One of the most striking observations comes from testing performed on a three-year-old laptop with 16GB of installed memory.
Before the update, the computer regularly consumed more than 10GB of RAM shortly after startup, even before additional applications were opened.
With Windows 11 26H2 installed, Task Manager reported approximately 7GB in use following a fresh restart.
The improvement continued when the system was placed under a demanding workload.
Testing involved running Microsoft Edge with numerous resource-intensive browser tabs, Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Outlook and a YouTube video playing at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second.
Despite the simultaneous activity, memory utilization remained around 87%.
Additional applications, including Spotify, Microsoft Store, Paint, Notepad and Lenovo Vantage, pushed consumption to approximately 89%.
Under earlier configurations, similar or lighter workloads had reportedly caused memory usage to exceed 95%.
The results suggest that Windows may be managing available memory more effectively, particularly when several applications compete for system resources.
However, these observations come from individual computers rather than a standardized benchmark conducted across a large selection of hardware.
Changes in startup programs, application versions and cached memory can also affect the results.
Computers With 32GB and 48GB of RAM Show Similar Improvements
Reports from other Windows 11 users indicate that the reductions are not limited to computers with 16GB of memory.
One user with a 32GB system reported that startup memory consumption decreased from approximately 9.1GB under Windows 11 25H2 to 7.5GB after upgrading.
Another user, whose computer contains 48GB of RAM, reported recovering approximately 2GB of memory.
These findings suggest that the improvements may affect several hardware configurations.
However, owners of computers with only 8GB of RAM have not consistently experienced the same benefits.
At least one reported test showed essentially unchanged memory utilization following the update.
This distinction is important because entry-level laptops and desktops often have the greatest need for improved memory efficiency.
Systems with limited RAM can experience slowdowns when Windows must move data between physical memory and storage.
Microsoft has identified improving performance on 8GB computers as a priority, but the latest user reports suggest that further work may be necessary.
There is currently no evidence that every Windows 11 computer will recover several gigabytes of memory simply by installing version 26H2.
Low Latency Profile Makes Windows Feel Faster
Alongside the reported memory improvements, Microsoft has been expanding a performance feature designed to make frequently used parts of Windows respond more quickly.
Known as Low Latency Profile, the technology temporarily increases processor performance when the user performs certain actions.
Opening the Start menu, launching an application or accessing Windows Search can trigger a short period of increased CPU activity.
The processor may operate near its maximum frequency for approximately one to three seconds before returning to a more energy-efficient state.
This technique allows short tasks to finish more quickly without requiring the processor to maintain elevated clock speeds continuously.
The approach is sometimes described as "race to sleep," referring to the idea that completing work quickly allows the processor to return to an idle state sooner.
Earlier testing by Windows Central found that the technology could improve the responsiveness of system menus by as much as 70%.
Application launch times improved by up to 40% in certain tests.
Those figures represent measured results under specific conditions rather than guaranteed improvements for every Windows computer.
Nevertheless, the feature addresses a common complaint among Windows 11 users: small but noticeable delays when interacting with the desktop interface.
Applications may feel faster even when their underlying processing requirements remain largely unchanged.
Why the Improvements Are Appearing With Windows 11 26H2
Although users are noticing these changes after installing the new version, Windows 11 26H2 is not a complete operating system replacement.
Microsoft distributes the update through an enablement package, a relatively small installation that activates selected features already present within the existing Windows codebase.
Versions 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 share the same servicing foundation.
This allows Microsoft to introduce improvements through regular monthly updates before activating them more broadly during an annual release.
Low Latency Profile followed this approach.
Performance enhancements began reaching supported Windows 11 computers earlier in 2026, with additional improvements to application launching arriving during the summer.
However, Microsoft's controlled rollout system meant that not every computer received the same features at the same time.
Two machines running the same Windows version could therefore behave differently depending on which improvements had been activated.
Version 26H2 brings together those changes and makes more of the previously introduced capabilities available to eligible systems.
The update may consequently appear more substantial to users who had not received the earlier performance enhancements.
Microsoft's official documentation confirms that 26H2 consolidates features introduced through previous updates, but it does not identify a specific reduction in RAM consumption as a guaranteed improvement.
Microsoft Has Been Working to Reduce Windows Memory Demands
The improvements follow a broader effort within Microsoft to address criticism of Windows 11's resource requirements.
The company has acknowledged concerns about the growing cost of computer memory and the performance difficulties encountered by devices with limited RAM.
Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's president of Windows and Devices, has discussed work involving several components responsible for memory consumption and application performance.
These include the Windows memory manager, memory compression technologies, WinUI and WebView2.
The memory manager determines how physical RAM is allocated among applications and operating system processes.
Memory compression helps reduce the need to move information onto slower storage devices when available RAM becomes limited.
WinUI provides interface components used in modern Windows applications, while WebView2 allows developers to integrate web-based content into desktop software.
Optimizing these components could potentially reduce unnecessary resource consumption across multiple applications.
However, Microsoft has not confirmed which particular changes are responsible for the reductions observed by Windows Latest.
The improvements could reflect several optimizations introduced over recent months rather than a single change contained in the 26H2 update.
Lower RAM Usage Does Not Always Mean Better Performance
The reported reductions are encouraging, but memory consumption figures should be interpreted carefully.
Windows routinely uses available RAM to cache files and application data that may be needed again.
This can make the operating system appear to consume substantial memory even when the computer is functioning normally.
Cached information is generally released when applications require additional resources.
As a result, a system displaying higher memory consumption is not necessarily performing worse than one showing lower figures.
The more important measurements include how quickly applications respond, whether the computer experiences excessive disk activity and how effectively Windows handles competing workloads.
A genuine improvement in memory management should help reduce unnecessary slowdowns without sacrificing application stability.
For computers with soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded, better memory efficiency may be particularly valuable.
Users could potentially extend the useful life of their existing hardware rather than purchasing a replacement computer solely to obtain additional memory.
Still, the reported results need broader independent testing before their overall impact can be established.
How Windows 11 Users Can Get the 26H2 Update
Microsoft began making Windows 11 version 26H2 generally available on September 29, 2026.
The release is being distributed gradually to eligible computers running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.
Users can check whether the update is available by opening Settings, selecting Windows Update and checking for new updates.
Microsoft also provides an option to receive the latest updates as soon as they become available.
Enabling that setting may allow eligible devices to receive the annual update earlier during the phased rollout.
Because version 26H2 uses an enablement package, installation should be considerably faster than a traditional major operating system upgrade.
In most cases, Microsoft says the transition requires only one restart.
However, the update may not appear immediately on every computer.
Availability depends on device compatibility, rollout timing and any restrictions Microsoft applies to systems affected by known issues.
Users should also remember that version 26H2 is not free from problems.
Microsoft's release health documentation currently identifies an issue affecting certain applications that rely on Windows' built-in AC-3 audio decoding. Some affected programs may fail to launch or close unexpectedly.
The company is working on a correction.
Windows 11 Performance Improvements Remain a Work in Progress
For much of its five-year history, Windows 11 has faced criticism over its hardware requirements, background resource consumption and occasional interface delays.
The arrival of version 26H2 suggests that Microsoft is placing greater emphasis on improving the experience of people using existing computers.
Faster menus, shorter application launch times and potentially lower memory consumption are practical changes that can matter more during everyday use than additional interface features.
The early results are promising, particularly for computers equipped with 16GB or more of RAM.
Yet the uneven reports from 8GB systems show that the benefits are not universal.
Microsoft has also not published official benchmark results establishing that the update consistently reduces memory consumption by a particular amount.
More testing will be needed to determine how much of the improvement comes directly from Windows 11 26H2 and how much reflects optimizations delivered through earlier updates.
For now, users upgrading to the latest release may notice a faster and more responsive computer, with some also finding that Windows leaves considerably more memory available for their applications.
MummyChunk wrote:
I'm glad to have stripped my Windows11 back of junk bloat as its now
running on my legacy pc like a charm.
noone needs a new pc.
sticks wrote:
On 10/13/2026 12:05 PM, Qdos wrote:
MummyChunk wrote:
---snipped over 200 lines of a JLA Forums web gateway moron responding
to another JLA Forums moron---
I'm glad to have stripped my Windows11 back of junk bloat as its now
running on my legacy pc like a charm.
noone needs a new pc.
just to add this stupid comment. JLA sucks!
--
Science Doesn’t Support Darwin. Scientists Do
MummyChunk wrote:
Ed Cryer wrote:
I've noticed a much improved speed on two PCs that I've updated.
The updates took mere minutes, and there's nothing visibly different.
But some sprightliness has emerged in the depths. I was copying some
large files earlier today, through USB from HD to HD, and it was running
at 1.2Gb per sec. for a lot of the time.
Well done, MS! It's not often I say that.
Ed
It’s great to hear that people are seeing improvements from this.
Right now I’m posting from my iPhone, so I haven’t had a chance to see how the update has improved my laptop.
On 10/13/2026 12:05 PM, Qdos wrote:
MummyChunk wrote:
---snipped over 200 lines of a JLA Forums web gateway moron responding
to another JLA Forums moron---
I'm glad to have stripped my Windows11 back of junk bloat as its now running on my legacy pc like a charm.
noone needs a new pc.
just to add this stupid comment. JLA sucks!
I tried its clean install in a brand new VirtualBox VM. It is slightly faster. Good. MS, keep optimizing and fixing your W11 to make it better.
On Wed, 10/14/2026 4:50 PM, Ant wrote:
I tried its clean install in a brand new VirtualBox VM. It is slightly faster. Good. MS, keep optimizing and fixing your W11 to make it better.
I'm curious. Was this VirtoalBox 7.1 or 7.2 or so ?
Is the software TPM working in the Guest ?
Or did you use Rufus and jam it in that way ?
If I wanted to test that here, I'd use the VMWare
for that. As I already have one "straight install"
I did there of Win11. That didn't need Rufus, because
you could add swtpm to the machine before booting
the DVD.
If I were to bench this, I'd have to do it as a physical
install, to prevent "cheating" via the VM :-) While
you could use Geekbench as a benchmark, I don't know if
the result of that means very much with regard to the
real world. For plain benchmarks like SuperPI 1.5xs,
there should be *no* difference between the two OS
versions. You can even use Affinity in Task Manager
when benching that, so the scheduler can (partially)
be taken out of the picture (you make it run on one
specific core).
| Sysop: | Scott Duensing |
|---|---|
| Location: | Freeburg, IL, USA, Earth |
| Users: | 5 |
| Nodes: | 16 (0 / 16) |
| Uptime: | 497974:21:19 |
| Calls: | 8 |
| Messages: | 25,042 |