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Windows 11 will run better because of the Apple effect, says IDC
Winsage
August 6, 2026

Windows 11 will run better because of the Apple effect, says IDC

Apple's launch of the MacBook Neo has prompted Microsoft to reassess and improve Windows 11 due to user complaints about the operating system's performance and resource demands. Global PC shipments are projected to decline by 11.3% in 2026, with a significant drop of 20% expected in the fourth quarter, attributed to a memory shortage. Microsoft announced plans to reduce RAM usage in Windows 11, targeting completion by the end of 2026, which will benefit PCs with 8GB and above. Following the MacBook Neo's release, a benchmark showed that Windows machines had more RAM and storage than Apple's model, but performance issues persist, with Microsoft Word launching slower on Windows 11 compared to MacBooks. Microsoft is addressing these performance issues by replacing legacy components with the WinUI framework to reduce memory usage and enhance overall performance.
Windows 11 vs Linux RAM usage in web browsing and gaming reveals big difference
Winsage
August 4, 2026

Windows 11 vs Linux RAM usage in web browsing and gaming reveals big difference

Linus Tech Tips, a popular YouTube channel, is expanding its content offerings to include educational material, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the tech industry. The channel will focus on sustainability in technology and is actively seeking viewer feedback to shape future projects.
Windows 11: Microsoft optimizes memory requirements for systems with 8 GB RAM
Winsage
August 3, 2026

Windows 11: Microsoft optimizes memory requirements for systems with 8 GB RAM

Microsoft is focusing on enhancing the efficiency of Windows 11 for systems with 8 GB of RAM, identifying memory optimization as a key priority. The company is revising multiple technical areas, including a more efficient memory allocator and adaptations to WinUI 3 to reduce RAM usage. Improvements are also planned for Chromium and WebView2 to decrease resource consumption. Microsoft has not committed to specific metrics for memory reduction or paging activity but aims to improve performance for budget-friendly devices. The official minimum requirement for Windows 11 is 4 GB, but higher memory allocations may be necessary for certain applications. Microsoft plans to roll out improvements tested since March more broadly in the autumn, although it remains unclear if these changes will apply to all supported versions of Windows 11. Users with 8 GB of RAM will not need to take immediate action, as the new memory management features will be revealed in future updates.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
July 28, 2026

Windows 11 ruined my old laptop, but this lightweight Linux distro brought it back to life

The author experienced significant performance issues with their six-year-old Acer Aspire laptop running Windows 11, which had only 4GB of RAM and an Intel Core i3-8145U. They decided to install Zorin OS Lite, which led to improved boot times, faster application launches, and lower RAM usage. The Speedometer score improved from 5.68 on Windows 11 to 12.0 on Zorin OS Lite. The laptop has been repurposed for travel, writing, and casual use, and the author is now more open to exploring Linux further.
Microsoft admits its Windows 11 apps hog RAM. A fix is coming
Winsage
July 27, 2026

Microsoft admits its Windows 11 apps hog RAM. A fix is coming

Microsoft is addressing high RAM consumption in native Windows 11 applications by optimizing memory usage through updates to the WinUI 3 framework. Significant improvements in RAM management are expected in an upcoming Windows 11 update, as outlined during the Build 2026 developer conference. The enhancements aim to reduce RAM usage and improve performance, particularly for low-spec PCs. Microsoft is currently testing changes related to memory usage, performance, and reliability for WinUI, with plans to modernize various Windows components, including the Start menu. Specific metrics on the expected reduction in RAM usage have not yet been disclosed.
Powerful Windows 11 app Wintoys just got significantly better with long list of improvements
Winsage
July 27, 2026

Powerful Windows 11 app Wintoys just got significantly better with long list of improvements

Microsoft has enhanced the Windows experience with utilities like the Media Creation Tool and PowerToys, while third-party applications like Wintoys, an unofficial counterpart to PowerToys, have also been updated. The latest version of Wintoys features performance improvements from upgrades to .NET 10 and Windows App SDK 2.3.1, resulting in a 30% reduction in RAM usage on the Services page, a 20% decrease on the Apps page, and a 10% improvement on the Startup entries page. Key updates include the ability to enable or disable the recommended section in the Start menu, manage recent items tracking, and a new Device metadata option to prevent unauthorized app installations. The Services page has been rewritten for better memory usage and real-time updates. Additional improvements include enhanced keyboard navigation, new acrylic backdrop features for Windows 10 and 11, and various bug fixes for system settings, network stats, and overall stability. The updated version of Wintoys is available for download via the Microsoft Store.
Windows 11's smallest upgrade shows a big commitment from Microsoft
Winsage
July 13, 2026

Windows 11’s smallest upgrade shows a big commitment from Microsoft

Windows 11 is set to receive an update that includes a slightly taller search box in the Start menu, increasing its height by four pixels. This change, currently in preview, is part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative aimed at improving user experience by addressing inconsistencies in the operating system. The update was revealed in the release notes for a preview build, leading to humorous reactions from users. Despite the minor nature of this adjustment, it highlights ongoing design issues within Windows 11, such as misaligned windows and inconsistent menus, which contribute to a perception of incompleteness. Additionally, the context menus in the latest preview build feature more rounded corners, raising questions about UI consistency. The Windows K2 initiative aims to enhance both performance and visual appeal, improving the overall user experience.
Windows 11 is getting a 4-pixel upgrade. It sounds like a joke, but it actually matters.
Winsage
July 12, 2026

Windows 11 is getting a 4-pixel upgrade. It sounds like a joke, but it actually matters.

Windows 11 is set to receive a slightly larger search box in the Start menu, increasing its height by four pixels to enhance the search experience. This change is currently in preview and may be rolled out to all users. Microsoft is also addressing design inconsistencies in Windows 11 through the Windows K2 project, which aims to refine the operating system's aesthetic and performance. The initiative may lead to improvements in RAM usage and overall visual appeal, contributing to a more polished user experience.
This Windows feature has been eating users' RAM for years, Microsoft still hasn't fixed it
Winsage
July 11, 2026

This Windows feature has been eating users’ RAM for years, Microsoft still hasn’t fixed it

Memory leaks have been reported with the Phone Link feature in Windows 11, specifically the Cross Device Service, which is consuming excessive amounts of RAM. Users have noted that this service can use between 15 to 30GB of RAM, leading to significant system slowdowns and reduced internet speeds. Complaints about this issue have been ongoing since early 2023, with users often needing to manually intervene via Task Manager to restore system performance. The Cross Device Service is intended to facilitate features like clipboard sharing and notification syncing but appears to malfunction and enter a loop that increases memory usage. Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the problem, and while generic troubleshooting steps have been suggested, they may not resolve the issue for all users. Disabling the Phone Link feature has been proposed as a potential solution to mitigate memory consumption.
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