Microsoft is developing a new feature for Windows 11 aimed at explaining how insufficient RAM or a weak GPU can impact PC performance. This feature will include a frequently asked questions section within the system settings, addressing concerns related to GPU memory, system RAM, and operating system versions.
Microsoft’s new Windows 11 feature: FAQ reveals RAM and GPU impact on performance
The feature was discovered by Windows watcher phantomofearth in the latest Dev Channel build of Windows 11, which was released earlier this week. Currently, Microsoft has not officially confirmed the development of this FAQ feature, and it remains hidden by default, requiring manual activation through command line inputs.
The FAQ section provides answers to questions regarding low RAM and offers recommendations for systems with GPUs that have less than 4GB of memory. It will also indicate if a user’s PC is not running the latest version of Windows 11.
It remains unclear whether this FAQ list will dynamically adapt to different systems or if it will provide static information based on individual hardware configurations. For instance, users with high-end systems running the latest Windows version might not need this information. Microsoft previously utilized the Windows Experience Index, which rated system components and provided an overall performance score, a method that is no longer used.
The inclusion of the FAQ section in the Dev Channel builds indicates that it could roll out to all Windows 11 users in the coming months, particularly as Microsoft often tests features in this channel ahead of its 24H2 update. However, the company occasionally discontinues features before public release.
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Phantomofearth reported finding the section located under the About menu in the Settings app, which currently requires specific command line inputs to access. For example, under the FAQ, there is a suggested question: “Is my GPU sufficient for high-end gaming and video experience?” which recommends acquiring a discrete graphics card that has more than 4GB of RAM. The FAQ also notes that 4-8GB of RAM is suitable only for basic tasks, such as web browsing and document editing.
The FAQ’s dynamic nature is still uncertain. For instance, it is unclear whether systems with higher RAM, such as 32GB, would encounter warnings about low performance due to inadequate RAM. As of now, the FAQ feature is hidden in Builds 26120.3576 and 22635.5090, and it can be enabled using the ViVeTool utility with the ID “5530588.” However, enabling the feature early may not yield significant benefits, given the possibility of changes before its official release.
Microsoft faces criticism for the stringent minimum requirements of Windows 11, which could leave millions of PCs on Windows 10 unless users upgrade their hardware or explore alternatives like ChromeOS. There are varying viewpoints on whether users should be forced to adhere to these specifications to ensure a satisfactory experience with Windows 11.
In the FAQ section, questions such as “How can having a dedicated GPU enhance my experience and productivity?” and “Am I running the latest version of the Windows OS?” aim to help users understand their hardware capabilities better.
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