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Microsoft admits 8GB RAM is fine for Windows 11, after years of pushing 16GB as the baseline
Winsage
June 25, 2026

Microsoft admits 8GB RAM is fine for Windows 11, after years of pushing 16GB as the baseline

Microsoft has revised its Surface buying guide, now recommending 8GB of RAM for everyday tasks, while stating that 16GB or more is necessary for fully utilizing Copilot+ PC features. Previously, Microsoft had advocated for 16GB as the minimum for a satisfactory Windows 11 experience. Earlier this year, Microsoft suggested 32GB of RAM for serious gamers but retracted this recommendation due to backlash over costs. The introduction of Apple's MacBook Neo with 8GB of RAM at an attractive price has influenced Microsoft's stance, leading to the launch of Surface devices with 8GB of RAM. The buying guide promotes 8GB for everyday tasks, while an AI store assistant suggests 16GB for a "future-proof" laptop. Historically, Windows 10 had a minimum RAM requirement of 2GB, with 4GB recommended for optimal performance, but Windows 11 has increased these requirements. Microsoft's investments in AI infrastructure have contributed to a RAM shortage. The Copilot+ PC branding aimed for a new hardware tier but has not met expectations. The introduction of the MacBook Neo has prompted reactions from PC manufacturers, and concerns exist about the optimization of Windows 11 on ARM architecture.
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 26H2 is coming soon: Reveals some devices won't be eligible
Winsage
June 24, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 version 26H2 is coming soon: Reveals some devices won’t be eligible

Microsoft has announced the upcoming release of Windows 11 version 26H2, which will follow versions 25H2 and 24H2, all built on the same platform from 2024. Version 26H2 will not introduce significant changes compared to version 25H2, as it shares the same feature set. Users on Windows 11 version 26H1, which is tailored for Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA RTX Spark devices, will not be able to upgrade to 26H2 this fall. An upgrade path for 26H1 users to version 27H2 may be available by the end of next year. The exact launch date for version 26H2 has not been specified, but it is expected to roll out towards the end of September or into October.
Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 26H2 Update for x86-64 PCs
Winsage
June 23, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 26H2 Update for x86-64 PCs

Microsoft has confirmed the release of the Windows 11 update version 26H2, designed for PCs with x86-64 processors from Intel and AMD. Devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite and NVIDIA RTX Spark processors will receive a separate update. Earlier this year, Windows 11 26H1 was introduced for Windows-on-Arm devices. Windows 11 26H2 is a minor update that shares the same code base as version 25H2, allowing for a seamless transition without a complete system file replacement. The update process is straightforward and will consolidate security and quality updates. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 for two years. Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC editions will offer stability by locking onto a specific kernel code base for security updates until a future date.
I gamed on 2026's best Snapdragon and Exynos flagship phones
BetaBeacon
June 23, 2026

I gamed on 2026’s best Snapdragon and Exynos flagship phones

The Exynos-equipped Galaxy S26 Plus performs well in gaming, handling Genshin Impact with a locked frame rate and outperforming the Tensor G5 chip in the Pixel 10 Pro XL. However, the Exynos flagship is capped at 60fps in Call of Duty Mobile, raising questions about the impact of per-game optimizations on gameplay experiences.
Microsoft buried its best Surface hardware in years through a quiet series of press releases
Winsage
June 22, 2026

Microsoft buried its best Surface hardware in years through a quiet series of press releases

Microsoft has launched the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12, but the announcement lacked a dedicated event or live stream, leaving many potential customers unaware of the new features. The new devices are priced at least 0 higher than their predecessors, though Microsoft is including a complimentary keyboard with the purchase. The business models of Surface PCs include enterprise features for productivity and security, while the consumer version is powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite. The Surface Laptop Ultra features NVIDIA's RTX Spark superchip and runs on Windows on Arm. Microsoft has introduced six new Surface devices this year, including a clamshell workstation and a mini PC, with significant innovations from Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm. The Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 are considered expensive, prompting some consumers to look for alternatives like the Dell XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite and 32GB of RAM.
New DirectX Dump Files tool will make debugging crashes easier GPU + Windows
Winsage
June 21, 2026

New DirectX Dump Files tool will make debugging crashes easier GPU + Windows

Microsoft has launched a public preview of DirectX Dump Files, designed to improve the debugging process for GPU crashes on Windows. The .dxdmp files are created when a hardware error is detected and contain hardware snapshots, driver data, Direct3D runtime context, and application user data. Developers need to meet specific requirements, including using Windows 24H2 or 25H2 with update KB5089573 or later, Windows 26H1 with update KB5089570 or later, Agility SDK Update Package 1.721.1-preview, and enabling developer mode. Additionally, AMD Software AgilitySDK Developer Preview Edition 26.10.07.02 is required for AMD graphics cards, along with compatible benchmark drivers from Intel, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm, and PIX version 2606.18-preview for analyzing dump files. The tool is currently focused on gathering developer feedback and is not intended for retail game integration. Developers can choose between three operational modes: NOOVERHEAD, MEDIUMOVERHEAD, and HIGH_OVERHEAD. The full launch is expected in fall 2026.
I tested Norton's Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU
Tech Optimizer
June 18, 2026

I tested Norton’s Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU

The landscape of online security has evolved significantly, with deepfake technology introducing new challenges. Users must be vigilant against both traditional malware and convincing fake images and videos. Antivirus software developers are enhancing their products by integrating cloud-based AI for better threat detection. For users with computers featuring neural processing units (NPUs), local solutions are available, such as Norton’s Deepfake Protection, which analyzes synthetic voices and images to flag potential threats. This feature operates in the background, providing peace of mind during online interactions. Norton 360 includes options for Deepfake Protection, Safe Web, and Safe SMS, but requires sufficient system resources to function effectively. Running this protection on older laptops may hinder performance, making NPUs a worthwhile investment for enhanced security against deepfakes and other online threats.
NVIDIA's RTX Spark launch is huge, but Qualcomm and Microsoft built the Windows ARM foundation
Winsage
June 17, 2026

NVIDIA’s RTX Spark launch is huge, but Qualcomm and Microsoft built the Windows ARM foundation

Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon X Elite in 2023, an ARM-based processor that outperformed traditional x86 processors. The Snapdragon X Series featured a custom Oryon core design and was optimized for Windows through collaboration with Microsoft, including the introduction of the Prism emulation layer, which allows x86/x64 applications to run on ARM. Many applications, such as Adobe Illustrator and Discord, now run natively on ARM, showing significant performance improvements. By 2026, NVIDIA unveiled the RTX Spark, an ARM-powered system on a chip, developed with MediaTek, featuring an ARM Cortex CPU and a Blackwell RTX GPU. NVIDIA also announced improvements to Windows for better workload scheduling and support for kernel-level anti-cheat software on Windows ARM.
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