Microsoft claims Windows 11 up to 20% faster, especially on lower‑memory PCs

Microsoft said its latest Windows 11 update can make the operating system up to 20 % more responsive by keeping more active data in memory instead of moving it to slower storage. The company said the improvement is most noticeable on PCs with modest amounts of RAM, though a published test found no measurable gain on one such machine.

Beyond memory tweaks

Beyond memory tweaks, other changes include widgets that load only when opened, freeing a significant portion of memory on lower‑memory PCs. Windows Hello sign‑ins and Bluetooth pairing with AirPods are reported to be faster, and testers can now try a new AI‑powered Search that can execute commands directly. A revamped Photos app claims a quicker editor and viewer.

Microsoft’s focus on memory efficiency comes as the cost of upgrading RAM rises and data‑center AI workloads consume more memory. The company says the update is part of a broader effort to keep Windows 11 usable on a wide range of hardware, even as older PCs reach the end of their support life.