Windows 11: The 26H2 Update Reduces RAM Usage

The Windows 11 26H2 update appears to have a pleasant surprise in store for users: lower RAM usage and improved responsiveness.

According to TechPowerUp, Microsoft has quietly improved RAM management in Windows 11 with the 26H2 update. Based on initial user feedback, this update allows the operating system to use less RAM while keeping more resources available for applications. On Reddit in particular, some users are reporting a decrease in memory usage of around 2 GB, and even more in some cases. In one particularly telling example, a laptop equipped with 16 GB of RAM is cited: after installing the update, the memory usage observed at startup reportedly dropped from about 10 GB to 7 GB.

This is a notable difference for machines with limited resources, but these improvements do not appear to be consistent across the board. Reported results vary depending on the computer, its amount of RAM, the software installed, and the programs running in the background. Some users report a significant decrease in memory usage, while others notice virtually no difference after installing Windows 11 26H2. It’s also worth noting that high RAM usage doesn’t necessarily mean Windows is malfunctioning. The system uses a portion of the available memory to cache data and speed up certain operations.

Several user reports point in the same direction, but Microsoft remains silent. © TechPowerUp

This memory can be reallocated to applications when necessary. To assess the actual benefits of the update, it is therefore important to distinguish between memory that is simply reserved or cached and memory that is actually being used by the system and software. Memory management, however, is not the only factor likely to improve the user experience. Windows 11 26H2 also includes the gradual rollout of a feature called “Low Latency Profile.” This mechanism allows the processor to temporarily increase its clock speed during certain operations to reduce response times. In particular, it can speed up the opening of applications, the Start menu, and various interface elements.

By drawing on more processing power for short periods, Windows aims to make interactions smoother without overburdening the processor. Despite these encouraging initial results, caution is still warranted, as Microsoft has not officially confirmed that Windows 11 26H2 affects RAM usage. The various user reports are interesting but do not constitute irrefutable proof: the performance gains aren’t necessarily linked to the Windows update. Let’s just say that, for now, we can call it a promising update—and that’s not so bad.