Windows 11 will always benefit from having more memory, but the ongoing DRAM crisis forced Microsoft to make some amendments to its previous statements, such as 32GB being ideal for serious users. With these claims removed, the software giant can now focus on what’s important for the millions of users who have gravitated to the latest OS: RAM optimizations.
The details mentioned by Microsoft used to be available on the company’s Learning Center homepage. However, that material has now been removed, and if you try accessing the page where the company recommends Windows 11 users have 32GB, you’ll be met with a 404 error. Instead, by visiting the Wayback Machine , we were able to unearth the previous Windows 11 requirements, which were first published on November 28, 2025.
If you scroll down, you’ll spot the image given below, stating that “16 GB is plenty for most games” and “32 GB is ideal for serious players who run the most demanding titles or use heavy mods.” In the same image, Microsoft recommends that users also aim for a 1TB SSD if they keep a large library, but given that the memory shortage has made both RAM and solid-state drives incredibly expensive, these purchases are not feasible for everyone.
What can be entertained is millions of users being able to run Windows 11 with 8GB RAM, as that’s the memory count Microsoft has chosen for its base Surface Pro models. Looking at how this configuration is likely going to be the standard for a couple of years, the software giant might as well pour some meaningful talent and resources towards making the experience a better one.
Without any program or browser opened, our Windows 11 machine with 32GB RAM was consuming 7.8GB of it. The situation becomes even more dire when buyers learn that Dell’s XPS 13 , which was supposed to be the answer to Apple’s MacBook Neo , has 70 percent of its 8GB RAM being utilized by Windows 11 without opening any programs. Fortunately, Microsoft’s President of Windows and Devices, Pavan Davuluri, has confirmed that Windows 11 will become more memory-efficient in the future, bringing some solace for millions.
However, until that day arrives, you’ll have to use your PC’s RAM more sparingly, unless you don’t mind splurging a premium on laptop or desktop memory. As a reminder, the most affordable 32GB RAM for desktops is Lexar’s Thor Z 6,000MHz kit, which is listed on Amazon for $419.99 , whereas the SODIMM modules for the same memory count belong to TeamGroup, with the 5,600MHz kit going for $366.99 .
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