Windows 11 update reportedly cuts idle RAM usage and speeds up app launches

Microsoft's Windows 11 26H2 update already looks worth installing, as users report it reduces idle RAM usage by up to 3GB. Moreover, the Low Latency Profile feature seems to speed up application load times across the OS.

According to reports from Windows Latest and some Reddit users, the unadvertised memory optimisations reduce background usage during system idle states. Community feedback indicates reductions between 2GB and 3GB while idling. In a test conducted by Windows Latest on a 16GB RAM laptop, idle consumption dropped from 10GB to 7GB, leaving 8.8GB available alongside 4GB cached.

Besides memory tweaks, the update rolls out the Low Latency Profile feature to almost all software. This profile temporarily boosts CPU frequencies to maximum for 1-3 seconds upon launch, making software start faster on lower-spec hardware. Windows Latest noted that Microsoft apps like Edge and Outlook loaded roughly 40% faster, while system elements like the Start Menu improved by up to 70%.

KitGuru says: Lowering idle RAM footprint while speeding up third-party app launches makes Windows 11 26H2 a surprisingly good update. Will you update to Windows 11 26H2, or would you rather wait a bit to make sure it's stable before pulling the trigger?

Become a Patron!