Windows 11 users are now being advised that 32 GB of system memory is the sweet spot for optimal performance. Many within the PC enthusiast community have configured their builds with 32 GB of memory for over a decade now, so it has been expected that the new recommendation was forthcoming. According to Windows Latest (via TechPowerUp), the recommendation was spotted in a support document as a “No Worries” path.
“Moving to 32GB RAM helps if you run Discord, browsers, or streaming tools alongside your games,”
– Microsoft
The recommendation couldn’t come at a worse time for those who may not already have that amount of RAM in their desktop or laptop computer, thanks to hiked prices due to the current DRAM/NAND shortage. However, this should trigger panic in folks, as many can still get by with 16 GB of memory. However, those with 8 GB or less probably should consider upgrading to at least 16 GB to avoid significant performance issues when gaming or using multiple applications, browser windows, etc., in Windows 11. As mentioned in the report, Windows is using more memory than ever before, AI has its needs, and developers follow in similar directions in needing more RAM. Most games require 16 GB of memory, and AAA titles are beginning to require 32 GB of memory.
“So yes, 32GB RAM is becoming the safe choice for Windows 11 gaming. But it’s not because 16GB suddenly stopped being enough. It’s because everything around the game, including the OS that helps it run, is demanding more than it should.”
– Windows Latest
It’s still not the end of the road, as Mac users often need less RAM, and the same for Linux users, but those running Windows 11 who plan to be content creators or play the latest or upcoming AAA titles may want to look into upgrading if their budget allows. Meanwhile, per the official Windows 11 support page, the OS only requires 4 GB of memory, but good luck with any kind of pleasant experience running a system with that.
“4 GB. If your PC has less than 4GB of memory, there are sometimes options for upgrading to get additional RAM. You may want to consult your PC manufacturer’s website or with a retailer to see if there are easy and affordable options to meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11.”
– Microsoft
Discussion (7 replies)
Join Discussion →Great timing Microsoft.
Yeah, while I get that hardware has advanced a long way... the timing is less than stellar, and machines (especially integrated systems) that are able to run well with less are doing very well right now.
Microsoft really needs to right the ship here, and in a hurry. Windows is really kind of become a long running joke. But I guess Windows is no longer their strategic entry point that their ecosystem hinges upon - Azure is.
I don't think this is logical, or expected or even warranted by anything. Windows arguably gained no new function (at least what users wanted) since vista. So there is absolutely no good reason why it should require more RAM than that. Even the UI became simpler and uglier, which makes it counter intuitive that it should require more RAM, even though the settings app is probably a bloated unoptimized mess.
Either way, just because games or other apps might use more RAM that does not justify windows itself requiring more RAM.
Yeah but, how else they going to run all the data mining processes and keystroke loggers.
and that didn't take long.
[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.techpowerup.com/348780/microsoft-pulls-windows-11-no-worries-32-gb-ram-recommendation-after-backlash[/URL]
You jest but I'm almost certain they are already doing that. All those times the computer ramps up its fans when unattended and should be idle is a little more than sus.
I too have doubts, windows hasnt been just and OS for a while now, its an enterprise, employee management tool, a lot of that has consequences, and honestly, windows at home feels like you are an MS employee with admin privileges or something.