Microsoft says Windows 11 now feels more responsive, especially on budget machines, thanks to smarter memory handling and other tweaks.
Microsoft says Windows 11 is now up to 20% faster, thanks to smarter memory handling and better resource distribution. The biggest effect is on devices with 8GB of RAM or less, where more active data stays in fast memory for quicker app launches and smoother task switching.
Updates include a less disruptive Windows Update, tweaks to the Widgets area, and a faster Bluetooth pairing experience. A faster Windows Search is coming to a wider audience later this year after ongoing testing.
Microsoft says Windows 11 now feels noticeably quicker, thanks to a batch of memory-management and reliability improvements rolled out over several months. The company describes the result as a Windows experience that can be up to 20 percent more responsive.
These changes go beyond cosmetic updates. Microsoft says it has refined how the system handles memory and distributes tasks across components, so everyday actions, like launching apps, waking the PC from sleep, or switching between programs, are smoother. For devices with 8GB of RAM or less, Microsoft says more of your active data stays in fast memory, reducing how often it must swap data to slower storage. In practical terms, this can translate to quicker task resumes and a snappier feel when multitasking.
Other tweaks include a less disruptive Windows Update, a cleaner Widgets area, and the ability to move the taskbar to the side or to the top. Windows Hello sign-in has been sped up, and Bluetooth pairing is described as more reliable and faster, including when connecting wireless audio devices.
The company also hints at a faster, more capable Windows Search experience coming to a broader audience after a test phase with Windows Insiders this year.
The biggest gains are expected on machines with 8GB RAM or less, but all supported Windows 11 PCs should feel more responsive as memory-management work continues.
For many people, the change means a smoother, quicker Windows 11 experience without buying new hardware. If your PC has 8GB of RAM or more, you should notice faster app launches and quicker switching between tasks, especially after the system has had time to optimize in the background.
Microsoft says the enhanced search experience will roll out more widely later this year after broader testing with Windows Insiders. In the meantime, ensure you’re on the latest Windows 11 build and keep an eye on update notes mentioning memory-management and performance tweaks.
Yes, but the most noticeable gains come on devices with 8GB RAM or less, where memory choices have more impact on performance.
Just keep Windows Update enabled and run the latest Windows 11 version. The improvements have been delivered gradually over months.
The broader rollout of the faster search is planned for later this year after testing with Windows Insiders.
You're reading the quick version.
Read next
Amazon ramps to 27 satellites a week as Leo nears launch
Amazon says its Leo constellation is weeks from offering commercial broadband after building its 1,000th satellite and accelerating production.
Open source lets anyone see, modify and share software. Here’s how it works, why it’s hot now, and what it means for your everyday tech.
Google’s new universal cart saves items from multiple retailers in one place and nudges you with price drops and promos, starting in the US.
A redesigned Tiny11 Builder offers a modern interface and faster setup for creating lean Windows 11 installations, with clear caveats for users.
The Daily Brief
Every morning, the news that matters from AI, phones, apps and the people shaping tech. Explained in plain English. Free.
One email a day. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy
