Microsoft optimizes Windows 11 as memory prices surge

Windows chief Pavan Davuluri admitted that rising memory costs are pushing Microsoft to make Windows 11 use less RAM. Memory optimization for 8GB and above is now an official priority for the rest of 2026, covering the memory manager, compression, WinUI 3 and WebView2.

• Memory optimization for 8GB and above is an official Windows priority for 2026
• Work spans the memory manager, compression, WinUI 3 and WebView2
• Optional features, including AI, should use RAM only when invoked
• DRAM contract prices rose another 10–15% quarter-over-quarter in Q4