Microsoft Teams is currently in the testing phase for a new feature known as “Efficiency mode,” which is set to be available to all users by the end of June 2026. This innovative mode aims to enhance the performance of Microsoft Teams on PCs with limited RAM, coinciding with a noticeable trend of Windows PCs reverting to the 8GB RAM standard.
The popularity of 8GB RAM PCs surged until the introduction of Copilot+ PCs in 2024, which raised the bar for AI-capable devices by requiring at least 16GB of RAM, an SSD, and an NPU. However, as memory prices escalate due to the burgeoning demand for AI, the industry appears to be shifting back towards 8GB RAM configurations. To facilitate this transition, applications must operate more efficiently.
Many widely-used applications on Windows are developed using web frameworks. For instance, Discord, built on Electron, has acknowledged that it can consume up to 4GB of RAM, while WhatsApp may use around 1GB even when idle. Microsoft Teams, leveraging WebView2, is similarly capable of consuming approximately 1GB of RAM under typical conditions.
In a recent update to its roadmap, Microsoft confirmed the ongoing testing of Efficiency mode, designed to enhance app responsiveness. This mode aims to reduce resource consumption by default, improve meeting quality, and increase overall app responsiveness on devices with limited hardware capabilities.
While the roadmap does not disclose exhaustive details, it was initially anticipated that Efficiency mode would launch in late May. However, the timeline has now been adjusted to June 2026, with Microsoft projecting the rollout to conclude by the end of that month. Users can expect that Teams Efficiency mode will be enabled by default, though there will be an option to opt out via the Settings menu if the experience does not meet their preferences.
What is Efficiency mode in Microsoft Teams for Windows 11 and 10?
Efficiency mode activates automatically when Microsoft Teams detects that a device is “hardware-constrained,” which typically indicates it has 8GB of RAM or is nearing its resource limits. In this mode, Teams optimizes its performance by adjusting video resolution and minimizing unnecessary resource usage.
According to Microsoft, the initial implementation of Efficiency mode introduces two significant changes:
- The video resolution is reduced, meaning that even users with high-end cameras will have their video output dynamically adjusted during meetings. This adjustment allows Teams to conserve resources and mitigate sluggish performance.
- Teams will open with a pre-selected chat instead of attempting to load all chats simultaneously, and the message pane will display a static image.
While the reduction in video resolution may be a drawback for some users, Microsoft has provided a way to disable this feature. Users can navigate to Settings > General and select “Never use efficiency mode” if they prefer the full-featured version of Teams.
It is also worth noting that some PCs equipped with 16GB of RAM may still be considered “hardware-constrained” depending on their CPU capabilities. In addition to Efficiency mode, Microsoft Teams is exploring various enhancements aimed at speeding up chat access, reducing lag, and preventing accidental screen sharing during meetings.
