Microsoft Addresses Windows 11 Lag and Ad Criticism, Plans 2026 Optimization for 8GB-Plus Devices

Microsoft is advancing system performance optimization and slimming efforts for Windows 11, responding to long-standing user feedback about system lag, excessive advertising, and high memory usage. Microsoft technical expert Scott Hanselman confirmed on social media that the team is working to improve Windows operating speed.

On memory optimization, Microsoft plans deep adjustments for devices with 8GB or more RAM by 2026, focusing on replacing heavyweight code and WebView2 components with the lighter WinUI 3 framework. Print management and File Explorer property dialogs have already been refactored, and the AutoPlay feature is next in line for similar changes to reduce system memory consumption. Built-in applications such as Photos have also been de-bloated, with numerous promotional icons and complex menus removed.

File Explorer has received targeted improvements in large-file deletion speed, global search performance, and the loading responsiveness of the right-click context menu and quick settings. The policy requiring a Microsoft account login during initial setup remains in place, a practice that continues to draw mixed opinions among users.