Microsoft Focuses on Windows 11 Performance and Reliability with AI and Efficiency Improvements

A significant part of Microsoft’s plan to enhance Windows 11’s performance and reliability this year centers on improved memory efficiency. This includes reducing the baseline amount of RAM that Windows itself uses, freeing up additional capacity for other applications.

Over the past year, Microsoft has faced scrutiny regarding its focus on AI, with some considering Copilot increasingly intrusive. As alternatives like the MacBook Neo gain traction in the sub-$1,000 laptop market, Microsoft has pledged to make Windows a more attractive operating system for both fresh and existing users.

“We are focusing on making Windows 11 more responsive and consistent, so performance feels smooth and reliable,” stated Pavan Davuluri, president for Microsoft’s Windows + Devices business, in a blog post.

Faster and More Responsive Windows Experience

These improvements aim to deliver a faster and more responsive Windows experience, particularly when launching applications and core Windows components like File Explorer. The goal is to minimize system lock-ups when Windows is handling demanding tasks.

(Credit: Microsoft)

Modernizing Windows Apps with WinUI3

Alongside memory efficiency, Microsoft plans to reduce latency in application interactions by migrating core Windows apps to the WinUI3 framework. WinUI3 is Microsoft’s modern native UI framework, but many existing Windows apps are built on older frameworks and web-based layers. While this provides flexibility and backward compatibility, it can hinder performance. Moving these legacy apps to the new framework is expected to improve responsiveness.

This transition could result in smoother animations when opening and switching between apps, especially in File Explorer. Windows Latest tested File Explorer in late 2025 and found that, even with optimizations to accelerate startup, it still launched slower in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10.

Improving Windows Search Functionality

Microsoft is also addressing the search function, which currently often returns web results alongside local files and apps. The company aims to improve search latency and accuracy, ensuring it finds the user’s intended results. This improved search experience will be replicated across the taskbar, File Explorer and Settings for consistency.

Additional Reliability Improvements

Further enhancements are planned for drivers, Bluetooth stability, and USB reliability. Microsoft also intends to improve Windows’ reliability when waking from sleep, particularly when connected to laptop docks.

If Microsoft successfully implements these changes, it could significantly improve the overall Windows experience and enhance its competitiveness against alternative operating systems. These updates will need to progress through the Insider pipeline before being released to the general public, a process that may take some time.