How to install Windows 11 26H2 with optimized RAM usage

This guide will show you how to install Windows 11 26H2 using Rufus 4.15 to get a lighter operating system with optimized RAM usage. This method is particularly useful for those with PCs with limited hardware resources, such as 4 GB of RAM, or for those who want a leaner and more performant system.

The main goal is to reduce idle RAM usage by removing preinstalled Microsoft apps that consume resources in the background without being used. This approach is beneficial for technical users, computer enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to maximize their system's performance.

Thanks to the "Quality of Life" feature introduced by Rufus, it is possible to remove apps like Teams, Outlook, and Copilot during the installation of Windows 11, resulting in a lighter system with significantly reduced RAM usage.

Prerequisites

• Hardware:
  • A PC with an AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor or equivalent
  • At least 4 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended for optimal results)
  • A USB flash drive of at least 8 GB
• Software:

Step-by-step procedure to install Windows 11 26H2 with Rufus 4.15

By the end of this guide, you will have installed Windows 11 26H2 with optimized memory usage, using Rufus 4.15 to remove unnecessary Microsoft apps during installation.

• Step 1: Download Rufus 4.15
• Step 2: Download the Windows 11 26H2 ISO
• Step 3: Prepare the USB flash drive
• Step 4: Launch Rufus
• Step 5: Select the USB flash drive
• Step 6: Select the Windows 11 26H2 ISO
• Step 7: Configure installation options
• Step 8: Start the installation
• Step 9: Install Windows 11 26H2
• Step 10: Verify memory usage

Verification and Troubleshooting

By following this guide, you will obtain a Windows 11 26H2 system installed with Rufus 4.15 that consumes less RAM thanks to the removal of unnecessary Microsoft apps.

How to test if it works

• Boot the PC with the USB flash drive created with Rufus 4.15.
• Install Windows 11 26H2 following the guided procedure.
• After the installation is complete, log into the system.
• Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Check the RAM usage in the Performance tab.
• Verify that the idle RAM usage is less than 3 GB.

What to do if it fails

• If the RAM usage is higher than 3 GB, make sure you selected the Quality of Life option during installation with Rufus.
• Verify that all unnecessary Microsoft apps have been removed.
• If the problem persists, check that the operating system is updated to the latest version.
• If you have issues with hardware requirements, consult the guide on how to bypass Windows 11 requirements.

Educational Summary and Practical Invitation

15. By following the steps described, you have discovered how to install the operating system without superfluous Microsoft apps, significantly reducing memory usage.

To apply what you have learned, follow these practical tips:

• Download the latest version of Rufus from the official website.
• Prepare a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 11 26H2.
• During installation, select the "Quality of Life" option to remove unnecessary apps.
• Verify RAM usage through the Task Manager after installation.

Try this method on your PC and evaluate the improvements in terms of performance and system fluidity.