Microsoft Links Windows 11 Memory Work to Rising RAM Costs

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions stopped receiving security updates on October 13, 2026, while Enterprise and Education editions remain supported until October 2027. Microsoft's Windows and Devices president, Pavan Davuluri, has tied ongoing memory optimization for systems with 8GB or more to the rising cost of memory rather than performance alone. Industry reports cite steep DRAM contract price increases and sold-out memory capacity, as chipmakers prioritize AI data center demand. Microsoft has listed memory optimization among its key focus areas for the rest of the year, signaling a push to reduce Windows' memory footprint. The October update also moves supported branches to new builds and pushes users toward Windows 11 26H2.