Microsoft has outlined its most ambitious plans for Windows 11 in the coming months. The company has publicly acknowledged that the operating system consumes a lot of memory, especially on systems with 8 GB of RAM, and has committed to reducing RAM usage through a more efficient allocation system . This move responds to user complaints and the need to improve the experience on the most common configurations worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Redmond giant is undergoing a major interface overhaul. The migration to WinUI, its native framework, is progressing to replace components that haven't changed in decades. All signs point to the 26H2 update, expected by the end of the year, as the vehicle for these improvements, along with customization features that users have been requesting for years. Below, we break down the most important aspects.
RAM consumption optimization
One of the most critical issues Microsoft has addressed is high memory consumption. According to the company's own data, Windows 11 can exceed 3 GB of RAM upon startup , and this figure easily doubles when opening basic applications. To address this, Microsoft has outlined three lines of action: smarter memory allocation, reduced consumption of essential system components, and optimization of WinUI 3 applications, in addition to migrating the system compositor. These improvements are expected with the 26H2 update, although the company has not specified exact implementation dates.
The primary goal is to improve the experience on devices with 8 GB of RAM , which are the most common according to telemetry data. However, users with 4 GB will also benefit indirectly, as an overall reduction in RAM consumption lightens the load even on minimum requirements. Microsoft has already begun internally testing these optimizations, and they are expected to be rolled out gradually throughout the year.
The migration to WinUI is progressing
Microsoft has confirmed that the File Explorer Properties window has been completely rebuilt in WinUI , and this isn't just a simple facelift. The company acknowledged that in the past it applied "quick fixes"—like adding dark mode to older interfaces—that caused bugs, such as an annoying white flicker when switching tabs. Now, the strategy is to rewrite legacy components from scratch. Next on the list is the common dialog for opening files, and the local account switching dialog, which still contains references to the defunct Windows 8 search charm, is also slated for a complete overhaul.
The most complex case is the Start menu. Microsoft is working on a WinUI-based version to replace the current one , which uses React Native. However, the release has been delayed because WinUI's memory consumption still needs improvement . For example, the Explorer's Home tab, already built on WinUI, loads more slowly than the "This PC" section. The company assures users that it is refining these aspects and has no intention of creating another interface framework, even removing the number "3" from the WinUI name to make it clear that there will not be a next version.
Windows 11 26H2: Expected Changes
The 26H2 update, scheduled for October, arrives packed with new features that users have been requesting for years. The Start menu will regain customization options: users will be able to choose different predefined sizes and decide which sections to display (Pinned, Recents, All), separating file recommendations from system recommendations. The taskbar will finally be able to be moved to any of the four edges of the screen —top, bottom, left, or right—and its height can also be reduced. Windows Search will become less intrusive: users will be able to separately disable web results and Microsoft Store suggestions, prioritizing local results.
In terms of security, Administrator Protection will create temporary accounts to run tasks , making it harder for malware to gain access. Windows 11 can also be reinstalled from the cloud without a USB drive. Microsoft has promised to reduce monthly restarts to just one and allow users to pause updates to avoid compatibility issues . These changes, while seemingly small, represent a significant shift in the company's philosophy, which for years ignored user requests.
Recent updates and rumors
While we await the major update, Microsoft continues to release cumulative patches. KB5101684, available for versions 24H2 and 25H2, introduces voice isolation in Voice Access , which filters out background noise and other voices, and improves File Explorer by displaying sizes in the correct unit (KB, MB, GB) and allowing users to open folders in tabs with the middle mouse button. Windows Hello support has also been extended to external fingerprint readers, and precision touchpads receive new configurable gestures.
Regarding rumors, it recently circulated on social media that a service called "Windows Health and Optimized Experiences" was consuming resources unnecessarily. Microsoft has addressed this, explaining that the service generates local diagnostic logs and only sends data if the user chooses to share it through Feedback Hub. It's not hidden telemetry, but rather a tool for identifying bottlenecks. The company insists that Windows 11 still has room for improvement, but that not all criticism is justified.
