20%: Microsoft says Windows 11 is more responsive after 2026 updates
Microsoft measured Search, Start, File Explorer and more. It says PCs with 8GB of memory gain the most.
Microsoft says Windows 11 now reacts faster when you click and search. It uses memory more wisely, which helps most on computers with little memory. How much you notice depends on your computer.
Hype check
Quieter than it deserves. This one matters more than the coverage suggests.
Our editorial opinion, based on the sources below. How we score
Your call: hype or real?
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Why it matters
Older and budget PCs may feel quicker with no new hardware. The figure is Microsoft's own, and results vary by device.
Worth a look if your PC feels slow.
The details
- Microsoft says Windows 11 is up to 20% more responsive, measured on Search, Start, right-click, Settings, Snipping Tool and File Explorer.
- Windows can keep up to 2GB more active data in memory, which helps most on 8GB PCs.
- On PCs with 8GB or less, Widgets load only when opened, freeing more than 200MB.
- Microsoft says an AirPods pairing is up to 15 seconds faster.
- Windows Update now gives more control over timing and coordinates updates to reduce restarts.
Receipts
The company or lab said it. Primary source linked. Open the sources and check us.
Written with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources above. How we work
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