In the second quarter of 2026, global PC shipments witnessed a 4% year-on-year decline, totaling 65 million units. This marked the first instance of negative growth since the first quarter of 2025, primarily attributable to a significant surge in DRAM memory prices, which subsequently escalated overall manufacturing costs. Against this challenging backdrop, Microsoft discreetly removed all guidance documents from its official website that had previously recommended utilizing 32GB of memory for Windows 11. Initially, Microsoft had proposed that gamers opt for 32GB of memory to enhance their gaming experience. However, this recommendation met with discontent among gamers, who perceived it as exacerbating the situation amidst the skyrocketing memory prices—a sentiment akin to "pouring oil on the fire."

In response to the escalating component costs, Microsoft introduced a new Surface device boasting 8GB of memory. Nevertheless, real-world testing unveiled that the 8GB Surface Laptop frequently encountered lag during routine usage, falling short of meeting the multitasking demands of Windows 11. Consequently, Microsoft revised its purchasing guide, now portraying 16GB or higher memory configurations as a more prudent choice.