Debloated Windows 11 Installation Used 2.5GB RAM
A modified Windows 11 26H2 setup significantly reduced memory consumption on a desktop system.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Computers
Live Poll
Would you use third-party tools to remove preinstalled features to improve your computer's performance?
A test of Windows 11 26H2 installed via Rufus 4.15 showed the operating system consuming 2.5GB of RAM upon startup. This indicates that debloating techniques effectively lower resource demands below standard operational levels.
Why it matters
Reducing background services and preinstalled apps helps optimize performance for users on systems with limited memory. This approach helps bypass the typical overhead associated with modern Windows installations.
The system featured an AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor and 16GB of DDR4-2133 memory. Task Manager reported 2.5GB of active RAM usage alongside approximately 2.1GB of cached memory.
The players
Microsoft
The technology corporation responsible for developing the Windows operating system and its associated services.
Rufus
A utility software used to create bootable USB drives that includes features for customizing Windows installations.
The details
Using Rufus version 4.15 to strip preinstalled components and background apps allows users to minimize memory footprint. By disabling services like Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Copilot during the installation process, the system achieves lower idle memory usage.
Timeline
July 2026: Microsoft confirmed work on Windows 11 memory optimizations.
October 12, 2026: Report published detailing Windows 11 memory usage test.
The Tech Race
This development highlights the ongoing tension between increasingly resource-heavy operating systems and hardware longevity. It suggests that specialized installation methods are replacing standard setups for power users looking to extend the life of older components.
Users can potentially achieve better system responsiveness on older PCs by using tools to remove unnecessary background apps. However, consumers should be aware that stripping system components may limit the functionality of integrated features like Copilot or Outlook.
The takeaway
Optimizing a Windows installation can free up significant memory resources for other applications. Users should weigh the benefits of a lower RAM footprint against the potential loss of preinstalled software features.
Further reading
For more information on hardware and software optimization, visit our Computers section.
Live Poll
Would you use third-party tools to remove preinstalled features to improve your computer's performance?
