Windows Central79%
Microsoft promises to fix Windows 11 for 8GB PCs, but it put the cart before the horse with low-memory Surfaces 59%
By Sean Endicott57%
8/2/2026, 6:00:00 AM
BS Summary: This article contains 28 faulty reasoning types, including Hasty Generalization, Post Hoc (False Cause), and Anecdotal, with Attempt to Sell a Product or Service as the most egregious example at 27.9% saturation with 231 hits. Analysis detected 1,638 faulty-reasoning hits from 829 analyzed words, generating a BS Score of 49.9% and a BS Rank of 59% (10,363 of 25,253 articles). This article is worse (more manipulative) than 59.00% of the article peer group.
Windows 11 is being fixed, and that’s not just lip service.
Microsoft is making meaningful changes to its operating system.
Menus are being decluttered, legacy components are being revamped, and features like Xbox Mode are reshaping Windows 11.
Just this week, we saw that Microsoft has plans to fix context menus on Windows 11 and get rid of the page-tall menus that plague PCs.
Microsoft also committed to making Windows 11 perform better on systems with only 8GB of RAM.
I’ve talked about Windows 11's improvements several times this year in the Windows Wrap.
Generally speaking, I’m happy that they’re happening but confused about Microsoft's timing.
On top of questions like "Why did it take several years to make Windows 11 look nice?"
There are also usability questions like "Why did Microsoft start selling a Surface with only 8GB of RAM before optimizing Windows 11 to work on that machine?"
Now, don’t get me wrong, Windows 11 can run on a system with only 8GB of RAM.
I think many tests performed online are done in bad faith.
Some people have dozens of Chrome browser tabs open and a bunch of apps running at once and then complain about performance.
You can get work done on a PC with that amount of memory, as proven by our own Cale Hunt, who tested Windows 11’s memory optimization by limiting his PC to 8GB of RAM .
But by Microsoft’s own admission , Windows 11 needs to be better on low-memory systems.
With the cost of RAM skyrocketing and not looking like it will go down at any point in the near future, it’s more important than ever for Microsoft to optimize Windows 11.
Biggest News of the Week
Earlier this year, Microsoft started selling Surface PCs with only 8GB of RAM, specifically the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch.
I appreciate the gesture.
In today’s economy, getting a PC with too much RAM or too much storage for your everyday needs can cost hundreds of dollars extra.
I covered several Surface deals this week, including some options that are up to $450 off.
While that is a significant savings, those deals are all on models of the Surface Pro (13-inch) with 16GB of RAM.
It’s still difficult to find that type of Surface Pro under $1,200.
Many people just want a PC that’s reliable and that can handle their everyday tasks.
Even those shopping in more premium categories, such as Surface, often prioritize design and form factor over getting the highest specs.
For those types of customers, an 8GB RAM Surface makes sense, but not if Windows 11 is still a problem.
Microsoft put the cart before the horse with the 8GB Surface PCs.
The tech giant responded to the RAM crisis with more affordable PCs, but Microsoft failed to optimize Windows 11 for lower memory first.
To me, that shows a disconnect between the Windows and Surface teams at Microsoft.
Until Microsoft fully optimizes Windows 11 for PCs with only 8GB of RAM, you might feel a bit of a pinch in performance with that amount of memory.
The current discounts on Surface Pro get you more memory without having to pay as much of a premium.
The best Surface Pro deals are spread across Amazon and Best Buy this week.
CPU: Snapdragon X2 Elite
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno
This Surface Pro is both the best deal of the day and the highest spec'd configuration you can get through Amazon.
It pairs the new Snapdragon X2 Elite with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
Plus, it has a lovely OLED screen for deep blacks and high contrast.
👉 See at Amazon View Deal
This is the Goldilocks model of the Surface Pro, balancing high-end specs like an OLED screen with value for money.
At $300 off, it has the highest discount available through Best Buy.
Its Dune color is stunning as well and a personal favorite.
👉 See at Best Buy View Deal
This Surface Pro has all the same specs as the Dune model highlighted above, but in a sleek black color.
CPU: Snapdragon X2 Plus
If you love the form factor of the Surface Pro but don't need the Snapdragon X2 Elite, this model is a great bargain that still features plenty of storage and RAM.
This is the most affordable Surface Pro you can grab.
Its Snapdragon X2 Plus delivers snappy performance for everyday computing and you still get 16GB of RAM.
Just be aware that it has only 256GB of storage.
The biggest perk here is wireless functionality.
You can detach the keyboard and type comfortably while keeping the tablet propped up at eye level, which is a lifesaver on cramped desks or airplane trays.
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Analysis
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