Microsoft Targets Better Windows 11 Performance on 8GB PCs as It Expands Improvement Plan

Microsoft has outlined a fresh set of priorities aimed at improving the overall Windows 11 experience, including a renewed focus on making the operating system run more efficiently on PCs equipped with 8GB of RAM. The announcement comes as the company continues efforts to address user complaints about reliability, performance and increasing system demands.

Microsoft Expands Windows 11 Improvement Roadmap

The technology giant first introduced its Windows 11 improvement roadmap in March 2026 after growing criticism from users who argued that the operating system had become less stable and increasingly resource-intensive.

At the time, Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President for Windows and Devices, pledged to improve memory efficiency by reducing Windows’ baseline memory usage and freeing up more resources for applications.

In an update published last week, Davuluri reviewed Microsoft’s progress, highlighting ongoing work to improve the platform. While many of the planned enhancements have yet to reach the public release of Windows 11, he pointed to several areas where progress has been made, including reducing unnecessary AI features, improving driver quality and simplifying elements of the Windows Insider testing programme.

Microsoft Focuses on Memory Optimisation

Despite those developments, Davuluri acknowledged that Microsoft’s work is far from complete, particularly when it comes to memory efficiency.

According to the update, the company has been making gradual improvements by introducing a more efficient memory allocation system, refining WinUI 3 so that applications consume less memory by design, and optimising Chromium and WebView2 components used throughout Windows.

He said these changes are intended to reduce overall memory usage while maintaining a responsive user experience.

Better Performance for PCs with 8GB of RAM

One of the newly announced priorities is “Memory optimisation for 8GB and above”, with Microsoft aiming to reduce Windows’ memory footprint so that everyday PCs deliver a faster and smoother experience.

The move is notable because Windows 11 officially requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM, while Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs require at least 16GB of DDR5 or LPDDR5 memory to support on-device artificial intelligence features.

By prioritising optimisation for systems with 8GB of RAM, Microsoft appears to recognise that many consumers continue to rely on mainstream hardware rather than premium AI-focused devices. It may also reflect the reality that many buyers remain unconvinced about paying more for AI-capable PCs when the benefits are not yet essential for everyday computing.

Memory Shortages Continue to Affect the PC Market

The announcement also comes against the backdrop of ongoing challenges in the global PC market.

Industry analyst IDC recently forecast that worldwide PC shipments will fall by 11.3% during 2026, with shipments expected to decline by as much as 20% in the fourth quarter of the year. According to the firm, a prolonged shortage of memory chips is expected to continue until at least the end of 2027, pushing up hardware prices and making it more difficult for manufacturers to maintain complete product ranges.

For consumers in the UK and elsewhere, rising component costs could make extending the lifespan of existing PCs more attractive, increasing the importance of software optimisations that improve performance without requiring hardware upgrades.

Three Additional Windows Priorities

Alongside memory optimisation, Microsoft has identified three further areas of focus designed to improve the Windows experience:

A Faster First-Time Setup

The company plans to streamline the out-of-box experience so that new PCs are quicker and easier to configure.

Simplified Family Features

Microsoft also wants to make the initial setup process more straightforward for families, particularly by improving access to parental controls and other family-focused tools.

More Natural Voice Interactions

Another priority is enhancing voice interactions across Windows applications, with the aim of making speech-based controls feel more natural and responsive.

No Timeline Yet for the New Features

Microsoft has not confirmed when these improvements will become available in public versions of Windows 11. However, Davuluri said the company has listened to customer feedback and remains committed to addressing the frustrations many users have experienced with the operating system.

Whether these planned changes are enough to restore confidence among Windows users will become clearer as the updates begin rolling out over the coming months.

Graham Greene

Graham Greene is a contributor to Dealmakerz, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter to them. His work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and key issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly way.