Using a computer with 8GB of RAM in 2026 is rough, to say the least, but as RAMageddon rages on, Microsoft says it is making improvements to using a Windows PC with less memory available.
In a blog post this week, Microsoft says that Windows PCs with 8GB of RAM are now 20% more responsive and 40% faster (in multitasking) in lab testing.
- Keeping up to 2GB of additional active data in memory to prevent reloading
- 20% faster common tasks including opening Start menu, activating Snipping Tool, using File Explorer, etc
- Edge opens links from Start 33% faster
- Microsoft Teams adds “Efficiency Mode”
- Microsoft 365 apps reduced memory use by up to 360MB
- Widgets now load on demand, saving around 200MB of memory use
These are just a few of the updates Microsoft says it has made, with the company still working to get more out of memory compression and work with third-party developers to improve memory usage.
With RAMageddon’s effects only set to get worse in 2027 and problems thought to continue through 2030, this is all good news for end users. It’s also good seeing as Apple’s MacBook Neo triggered an avalanche of new 8GB Windows laptops designed to rival the lower price point.
More on Windows:
- HP’s MacBook Neo competitor is $699 with an OLED display and plenty of catches
- Microsoft launches 12-inch Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 Plus & 5G, 13-inch Surface Laptop too
- Microsoft quietly ending ‘Copilot+ PC’ branding for Windows laptops
Follow Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram
You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
