This week in Windows news— Saving RAM, testing Insider features, and the “fake” record lows of holiday shopping

As the year draws to a close and the festive season approaches, the usual slowdown in news activity has taken an unexpected turn in 2025. Many have noticed a surge of engaging notifications recently, particularly regarding the latest Windows Insider build and enticing last-minute PC deals.

With families gathering around dinner tables and friends enjoying cozy get-togethers, it’s a perfect opportunity to share some light-hearted yet informative news that can spark conversation without stirring controversy. One topic that stands out is how to effectively reduce RAM usage on Windows 11, a timely discussion given the current surge in RAM prices.

Weekly Windows Wrap: The Big News

Despite the holiday season, there are still some noteworthy updates in the Windows 11 landscape. Windows Insiders have been granted access to new features, while Microsoft has broadened the functionality of its Link to Windows app, allowing users to lock their PCs remotely from an Android device.

Sales on Windows 11 PCs

As Christmas approaches, several top-tier Windows laptops and gaming handhelds are seeing significant discounts. However, navigating these sales can be a challenge, as retailers have made it somewhat difficult to pinpoint the best deals.

This week, the Surface Pro 11 is available at a reduced price, but finding the best offer requires a bit of effort. For those interested in the black variant, Newegg is the go-to destination, while the Sapphire (blue) version can be found at Walmart. Amazon, on the other hand, boasts the best price for the lesser-known “Dune” model, which is not based on the popular book series.

The landscape of deals has become increasingly convoluted, with some outlets claiming to offer the best price ever on certain models. While this may hold true for a specific configuration at a particular retailer, it often fails to reflect the broader picture of available bargains.

Searching for these deals can be labor-intensive, and it’s surprising that this aspect of the job still necessitates a human touch. Automated tools and AI often struggle to identify the lowest prices in context. For instance, while an algorithm might highlight the best price for one model, it may overlook nearly identical versions available at better rates elsewhere. Stock availability can also lead to peculiar pricing, where a model with superior specifications may cost less than its counterpart.

Unfortunately, a recent flash sale on the highly sought-after Surface Laptop 7 (13.8-inch) featuring a Snapdragon X Elite has already concluded. However, there remains a solid deal on a variant with increased storage capacity.


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This week in Windows news— Saving RAM, testing Insider features, and the "fake" record lows of holiday shopping