Windows 11 26H2 update brings Low Latency Profile and reduced RAM usage for many PCs

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 26H2 update is an enablement package that activates a set of performance enhancements rolled out through earlier monthly updates. Among the newly enabled features is Low Latency Profile, which temporarily raises CPU frequency when opening the Start menu, Search, Notification Center or launching apps, then returns the processor to idle more quickly. The company introduced the shell-related portion of the feature in June and expanded it to app launches in August.

Early testing by users shows faster response times for common tasks and a noticeable drop in RAM usage after a restart. One reviewer observed a reduction of up to 2 GB on a 16 GB laptop, with memory consumption staying below 90 % even while running multiple productivity apps, a web browser with several tabs, and a 4K video. Similar reports from other users indicated decreases of 1.5 GB to 2 GB on systems with 32 GB or more of RAM, though some lower-spec machines saw little change.

Microsoft has previously signaled its intent to improve Windows 11 performance and memory efficiency, citing work on the memory manager, compression, WinUI, and WebView2. Although the 26H2 release notes do not list RAM reduction as a specific change, the update consolidates months of optimization work, including a faster File Explorer and improved Search.

"Low Latency Profile pushes the CPU close to its maximum frequency for one to three seconds, finishes the work, and lets the processor drop back to idle sooner," a Microsoft spokesperson explained.

The impact of the update may vary depending on hardware configuration, startup applications, and third-party software. While the enhancements improve overall responsiveness, Microsoft has not provided detailed metrics on the memory savings achieved.