Microsoft once tried to cut Windows 11 RAM usage, install size by 20%, now it’s trying again in 2026

https://lemmy.nz/post/35700780

Microsoft once tried to cut Windows 11 RAM usage, install size by 20%, now it’s trying again in 2026 - Lemmy NZ

Lemmy

All at a time where I think I’m actually going to switch to Linux.

I just tried out an install on my laptop and boy does it work well even for gaming.

Windows has, nothing I actually need any more?

It feels really big to really leave Windows for good, but, I think it’s going to happen after a bit more testing of my Linux setup.

I told myself I’d give Win11 (using tools to uninstall all the bullshit/tracking) for 3-4 months before seriously considering linux. I made it 3 months, got tired of having to re-uninstall shit I don’t want every update and just flat out wiped the install and installed CachyOS. It’s been perfect, even new game releases like Death Stranding 2 worked out of the box, fuck windows.
Aww yeah love to hear these stories!

You say this as if you have been waiting for it?

You, and I both, know they are going to ask Copilot “What can we eliminate in the code base”.

This is why its been announced now. With all the tracking Microsoft has in W11, including being able to track usage to an email account for most, they will have a good idea who has binned windows and who hasn’t.

Its this volume of switching that has them worried enough to actually pretend to fix things. I say pretend as its fairly obvious what they need to remove to reduce the bloat on RAM but their business it tied to it now, like concrete over boots on a mafia snitch.

I have a back up SSD with windows on I swap out to play the very few games that still require it that I just can’t give up. But I don’t have the need to duel boot anymore. I just keep the SSD to scratch my itch
I’m curious what games do you use that still need windows?
Oohh, Bazzite?
Bazzite 🥰
Was it plug and play (relatively) for you? After benchmarking a few games I noticed Bazzite came with a 40% CPU performance reduction compared to w11.
Don’t use bazzite. Use Mint. Go for the easiest solution. You can get another drive and dual boot later.