Windows 11 is 20% faster

Microsoft has shared details of optimizations that have made Windows 11 up to 20% more responsive. The improvements affect memory management, system apps and the user interface. The changes should be especially noticeable on computers with 8 GB of RAM or less.

Reduced RAM usage

A significant share of the optimizations involves overhauling memory and system resource management. Windows 11 can now keep up to 2 GB more active data in RAM that previously had to be offloaded to storage. This helps reduce delays when switching between resource-intensive apps and working with many browser tabs.

Optimized for PCs with 8 GB of RAM

Owners of laptops and PCs with 8 GB of RAM or less stand to benefit most from the changes. To reduce background load, Microsoft has changed how built-in widgets work. They now load only when users open the corresponding panel on these computers. According to the company, this frees up more than 200 MB of RAM for other apps.

Interface and system apps

The optimizations also affect key Windows 11 components:

• File Explorer and the Start menu: The interface responds faster to user actions, including opening folders and bringing up the context menu;
• Search: Speed and the display of results have been improved. A new version of Search that lets users take action directly from results is currently being tested by Windows Insider participants;
• Photos: The redesigned editor, built with WinUI 3, launches 25% faster. Average image-opening times in the updated viewer are down 15%, while the improvement for HEIC files reaches 30%;
• Snipping Tool, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Edge: Performance and responsiveness have been improved.

Bluetooth and updates

Microsoft has also improved Bluetooth, making wireless devices connect and reconnect more reliably. In particular, AirPods pairing time has been reduced by up to 15 seconds, depending on the headphone model and computer configuration.

The changes also affect Windows Update. Microsoft has optimized the update installation process, reduced wait times and cut the number of required restarts. Windows Hello is also faster at recognizing faces and fingerprints.

Gaming performance

Microsoft’s reported results primarily concern the responsiveness of the Windows 11 interface and system components. The company has not claimed a 20% increase in gaming FPS. RAM optimizations may benefit some games, especially on computers with limited memory, but the actual results depend on system configuration.

When can you expect the update?

Microsoft is rolling out the changes gradually. Some optimizations are already available to Windows 11 users, while others are still being tested through the Windows Insider program. A wider rollout is expected later in 2026. The timing for individual features may vary by device and region.