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The Verge - Tech
Even Microsoft couldn’t make Windows 11 work well on 8GB of RAM
A recent review indicates that Microsoft's Surface Laptop with 8GB of RAM fails to deliver a smooth experience, particularly during multitasking. Users encounter frequent performance issues, raising concerns about the viability of Windows laptops with limited RAM as entry-level options. The evaluation questions Microsoft's commitment to optimizing Windows 11 for lower-spec devices, especially as competitors like Apple's MacBook Neo perform better with similar RAM configurations.
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Published 17 Jul 2026, 14:05 UTC4 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Performance issues reported with Surface Laptop's 8GB RAM.
- Windows 11 struggles under multitasking conditions.
- Frequent freezing during basic tasks.
- RAM limitations hinder usability for everyday workloads.
- Competitors managing better performance with similar RAM.
Interesting facts
- Microsoft claims improvements for lower-cost hardware, yet performance lags.
- More 8GB RAM laptops announced amid ongoing RAM shortages.
- Long-term usability of laptops with 8GB RAM is questionable.