Microsoft says Windows 11 is now up to 20% more responsive and uses less RAM than previous versions, thanks to several improvements, including more efficient memory management. The company claims you can feel this boost as soon as you boot into your PC, extending to the Start menu, File Explorer, Search, Snipping Tool, Microsoft 365, Edge, and more.
According to Microsoft’s latest blog post, the changes kick in when you update from Windows 11 build 26200.7628 to 26300.9550, although performance will naturally vary by device. In parallel to this speed boost, Microsoft also indicates that Windows 11 will be getting two memory-related optimisations.
The first is said to keep up to 2GB of active data in memory instead of moving it to slow storage, which should make the system feel more responsive when multitasking. Meanwhile, the second should reduce background memory usage, which will be very handy on 8GB machines. For example, Widgets load only when you open them, which results in more than 200MB of memory savings, according to Microsoft. That extra headroom could be used to run other apps simultaneously.
Beyond these performance optimisations, Microsoft reports that Windows Hello sign-in is now easier, faster, and more reliable, with improvements to both face and fingerprint recognition.
Microsoft has announced a number of changes to the OS designed to combat mounting criticism. These include the recently announced changes to Search, which allows you to complete common Windows tasks directly from the Search bar, such as changing the system theme or navigating to the desktop. Gamers will also appreciate Advanced Shader Delivery, which reduces the initial loading phase on supported games.
As usual, rollout of these features and optimisations will be gradual, so be patient if you don’t receive it right away. If you really want to access them now, you can enrol in the Windows Insider program.
