Windows 11 quality update focuses on memory use and File Explorer
Snapdragon-based Surface owners should be happy.
Microsoft has provided an update on its Windows 11 quality improvement plan, four months after announcing a renewed focus on performance and reliability. The company says several changes are already being tested through the Windows Insider Program, while wider availability will begin this fall.
The work completed so far covers Search, Start, the taskbar, File Explorer, Widgets and Windows Update. Microsoft has also previewed the return of movable taskbar positions, more Start menu customization and the option to skip updates during the Windows setup process.
Windows 11 targets a lower memory footprint
Microsoft has now added memory optimization for systems with 8GB of RAM or more to its list of priorities for the rest of 2026. The stated goal is to reduce the Windows memory footprint and keep lower-memory PCs responsive during everyday use.
“ Memory optimization for 8GB and above. Reducing Windows memory footprint to deliver a fast and responsive Windows experience across the PCs customers use every day.”
Some of this work is already underway. Microsoft says it has adopted a more efficient memory allocator to reduce overhead across applications and system components. It is also tuning WinUI 3 applications and reducing memory use from Chromium and WebView2 components integrated into Windows.
The company did not provide benchmarks or specify how much memory these changes will save. It also did not confirm whether the 8GB improvements will arrive as one update or through several Windows 11 servicing releases.
— Pavan Davuluri (@pavandavuluri) July 31, 2026
More changes are planned before the end of 2026
Microsoft says File Explorer has received architectural changes intended to improve launch times, navigation and reliability. The company has also addressed blurry thumbnails, unstable transitions in Home, keyboard navigation, renaming and file size formatting.
Four more areas have been added to the plan for the remainder of the year. These include a faster setup process, easier access to family and parental controls, more natural voice interaction and continued memory work for PCs with at least 8GB of RAM.
Microsoft says these changes will begin reaching more Windows 11 systems this fall. Many remain limited to Insider builds, so availability will depend on the feature and the Windows servicing schedule.
Source: Microsoft
