Microsoft has confirmed that recent Windows 11 updates have improved responsiveness on computers with 8GB of RAM by up to 20%, making affordable laptops more practical for everyday use.
The improvements are part of Microsoft's efforts to reduce memory consumption and optimize Windows 11 for computers with different hardware configurations.
Although the company has focused particularly on 8GB systems, it says part of the work is about making better use of the memory in every Windows 11 PC.
The changes arrive as rising RAM and storage prices push PC manufacturers toward more affordable hardware configurations.
With memory costs increasing, several manufacturers have introduced laptops with 8GB of RAM at prices starting around $600.
Windows 11 Memory Optimizations Improve Budget PC Performance
Microsoft says the performance improvements have already been included in recent Windows 11 updates.
The work focuses on reducing unnecessary memory usage and improving system responsiveness, particularly on computers with limited RAM.
The company claims that 8GB PCs are now up to 20% more responsive in everyday interactions than with the January 2026 update.
However, that figure does not mean every application will run 20% faster.
Systems with limited memory can still experience slowdowns when running demanding software or several applications simultaneously.
For everyday activities such as browsing, document editing and video streaming, the improvements could make budget laptops more comfortable to use.
Dell, HP and Acer Offer Affordable Windows 11 Laptops
Several manufacturers are offering new laptops with Intel Core 5 320 processors and 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM.
Three notable options include:
| Laptop | Display | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell XPS 13 | 13.4-inch QHD+, 120Hz | 256GB | $699.99 |
| HP OmniBook 5 14 | 14-inch OLED, 60Hz | 256GB | $599.99 |
| Acer Swift Air 14 | 14-inch FHD+, 120Hz | 512GB | $699.99 |
Dell also offers its XPS 13 for $599.99 to eligible students.
The HP OmniBook 5 provides an OLED touchscreen at the lowest advertised general purchase price, while Acer offers twice the storage capacity.
Rising RAM Prices Are Changing Laptop Configurations
Growing demand from AI data centers has contributed to higher memory and storage prices, increasing manufacturing costs across the PC industry.
As a result, laptops with 8GB of RAM are becoming more attractive to manufacturers seeking to maintain affordable prices.
Microsoft's optimizations could help these systems remain useful for everyday tasks.
However, 16GB or more RAM remains preferable for heavier multitasking, gaming and demanding professional applications.
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