Is this normal memory usage for a laptop with 8GB RAM?

Buying Help
21

For Windows 11, yes. Consider upgrading your RAM or switching to a lighter version of Windows or even Linux for better performance.

22

Zan said:
For Windows 11, yes. Consider upgrading your RAM or switching to a lighter version of Windows or even Linux for better performance.

Linux aims to use most of the RAM too, depending on your setup.

23

@Charlie
True, but with Linux, you often use less RAM at idle compared to Windows 11.

24

@Charlie
That’s not entirely correct. Linux uses unused RAM for caching to improve speed and frees it up when needed, just like Windows.

25

Neve said:
@Charlie
That’s not entirely correct. Linux uses unused RAM for caching to improve speed and frees it up when needed, just like Windows.

Exactly, modern OSes use RAM efficiently for caching to improve overall performance.

26

Unused RAM is wasted RAM. Only worry if usage is over 95% with no applications open. Otherwise, it’s being used effectively.

27

Skyler said:
Unused RAM is wasted RAM. Only worry if usage is over 95% with no applications open. Otherwise, it’s being used effectively.

Agreed. Windows should incorporate a memory pressure monitor to better indicate if more RAM is needed.

28

Windows 11 might not be the best choice for all machines due to its heavy resource use.

29

Clove said:
Windows 11 might not be the best choice for all machines due to its heavy resource use.

Actually, it uses about as much RAM as Ubuntu on my setup. 8GB is minimal for modern web browsing.

30

Consider using a lightweight version of Windows or a tool like WinUtil to manage system resources better on lower RAM systems.