Microsoft announces Windows 11 performance optimizations for 8 GB RAM PCs

At the IFA 2026 trade show, Microsoft announced upcoming performance optimizations for Windows 11. Mark Linton, Microsoft Vice President for Windows and Devices, stated that the company is focusing on fundamental system improvements, including faster boot times and increased responsiveness for the Windows Hello facial recognition feature.

A key priority is optimizing the operating system for hardware with 8 GB of RAM. This move aims to ensure smoother performance on more affordable or older devices, even as some manufacturers shift toward lower memory configurations. While specific performance metrics and release dates for these optimizations have not been disclosed, the improvements are intended to make the system more stable and fluid on lower-end hardware.

Additionally, Microsoft is working to enable more AI workloads to be processed locally on the device rather than in the cloud, which is expected to enhance security and developer tools. These updates follow a series of planned changes to the user interface, such as taskbar adjustments and Start menu resizing.