Windows 11's gaming revamp: microsoft tackles latency and ram usage

After years of dominance, Windows 11's gaming performance remains a lukewarm affair, plagued by background processes and excessive RAM usage. As a result, many PC gamers have fled to Linux distributions, which, thanks to Valve's Proton, offer significantly better performance. However, Microsoft has finally woken up to the issue and is rolling out fixes.

Reducing ram usage and latency

Recently, Microsoft announced plans to curb Windows 11's memory-hungry nature. The company is working to optimize RAM usage, a critical move given the current global shortage. Lowering RAM consumption will not only boost gaming performance but also provide relief for users who have started recommending 32GB+ configurations.

Moreover, Microsoft is tackling the issue of latency, a problem that arises when the CPU and RAM approach their limits. The company aims to address this bottleneck, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

While these updates are welcome, they only address part of the problem. Background processes remain a significant hurdle for gaming on Windows 11. Microsoft's goal is to bring its 'Xbox Mode' to all devices, a feature that would severely limit background tasks and enhance performance. This mode was previously available on Windows 11 laptops but is now set to be a standard feature.

However, Microsoft has yet to provide a clear timeline for these improvements. With Linux increasingly gaining traction among gamers, the pressure is on for Windows to deliver a more competitive gaming experience.