I've noticed that Windows 11 is using a staggering amount of RAM—up to 4GB when it really shouldn't need that much! I've got a school laptop with just 4GB of RAM that runs fine with Chrome and Microsoft 365, and it only uses around 1GB at idle. This laptop is freshly installed from two weeks ago, and I've already debloated it by removing startup apps and permissions. I've heard there might be some indexing going on, but can anyone explain why my system still consumes so much RAM at idle and how I can fix this?
5 Answers
Windows 11 is designed to utilize available RAM to enhance overall performance. It keeps RAM active rather than leaving it unused, which is seen as wasteful. When you open applications, the OS will manage memory efficiently and free up RAM as needed. So unless you're encountering performance issues, it might not be as big of a concern as it seems.
A good way to potentially reduce RAM usage is to disable the Delivery Optimization Service. You can find it in Windows Settings under Windows Update, then Advanced Settings. This might help mitigate some of that idle RAM usage.
You could try downloading Process Explorer from Microsoft for a better insight into what’s consuming your RAM. It provides a more detailed view of system utilization and can help you identify any resource hogs.
You should also check for driver updates. Visit your laptop's official site, search your model, and see if you can automatically detect any driver updates needed. Keeping your drivers up-to-date helps with overall system efficiency.
Microsoft actually recommends a minimum of 8GB of RAM for Windows 11 for optimal performance. If you're stuck at 4GB, you might experience considerable lag, especially if you're running multiple applications. An upgrade could significantly enhance your experience.

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