# Microsoft says Windows updates keep up to 2 GB more active data in memory

_Published Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 5:25 PM EST · Products · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Microsoft says Windows updates keep up to 2 GB more active data in memory — Primary](https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/11/8-GB-Windows-Hero.png)

Microsoft says Windows 11 memory improvements let 8 GB PCs keep up to 2 GB more active data in memory instead of moving it to slower storage. The company directs users to version 26H2, build 26300.9818 or later, plus updated Microsoft apps, to obtain the latest improvements.

Windows adjusts memory compression and briefly prioritizes user requests while reducing background work. Edge now puts inactive tabs to sleep after 15 minutes by default, down from two hours.

Microsoft also reports up to 40% faster completion of a multitasking workflow in internal testing on one 8 GB HP configuration. That result is specific to the tested workload and configuration; demanding workloads still benefit from 16 GB or more.

## Sources

- [Source](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2026/11/03/raising-the-bar-for-8-gb-windows-11-pcs-whats-improved-and-how-to-get-it/)

---
Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/pl7rkfvzVtSWR-fjI4Wy1o
Published: 2026-11-04T22:25:48.530Z
Story chronology: 2026-11-03T17:00:48.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-11-05T00:43:58.309Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)