How much RAM does Windows 11 actually use?
On average, Windows 11 uses about 4 GB of RAM.
However, if you have a lot of programs running at the same time, or if you are using resource-intensive programs, your computer will allocate more resources and up the RAM usage.
How much memory should a PC use when idle? Ideally, none. But reality requires the kernel to occupy memory. That usually runs between 1 and about 10MB.
Windows 11 is using significantly more RAM than Windows 10 despite Task Manager showing little usage by programs and services.
I've done a lot of testing of different systems, and I now recommend that 8GB be considered a practical minimum for Windows 11.
Is windows 11 lighter than Windows 10 or not? I'd say, heavier, because on paper, Windows 11 requires more performance from your PC. The specs read as if Windows 11 requires more performance than Windows 10, but still easy enough to meet.
30-40% of 16GB translates to 4.8 - 6.4GB of RAM. and yes, that is totally normal for the M16 in idle. and as always.. remember the more ram you give a windows machine the more it will take.
It is normal. Don't try fixes. 16gb ram is plenty. More idle RAM is useless.
Sometimes memory usage will spike even if you're not doing anything on the computer as long as the applications are running on your machine. Also, you may run a system file checker to verify the integrity of windows system files on your computer making sure that there are no corrupted files on your windows.
As a general rule, 4GB is starting to become "not enough," while 8GB is fine for most general-use PCs (with high-end gaming and workstation PCs going up to 16GB or more). But this can vary from person to person, so there's a more precise way to see if you actually need more RAM: Windows Task Manager.
If the Memory column displays 70%, 80%, 90%, or 99% used as the two figures shown below, it's a "High Memory Usage" issue.
Why is my RAM usage so high when nothing is running?
Why is my RAM usage so high even though I am not running anything? Modern operating systems go out of their way to keep RAM usage as high as they possibly can. They do this for two main reasons: RAM is a “use it or lose it” resource.
For Windows 11 itself, yes 16GB is fine. The minimum RAM size is 4GB, according to the system requirements for Windows 11.

Yes 16GB is more than enough to run Windows 10 and Windows 11. Depending on what exactly you using the machine for. For regular use and gaming yes, that's good enough.
We recommend 16GB for most use cases and 32GB if you work on more complex games and apps.
Is 8GB RAM enough for Windows 11? Windows 11 RAM requirement is 4GB. 8GB RAM can run Windows 11 and some other basic software. But if you want to run some productive software, 8GB is not enough.
Is 8GB of RAM enough? 8GB of RAM is the amount of memory we recommend for casual computer users. If your usage includes internet browsing, email, lots of office programs, flash games, and multitasking – this level of memory should be sufficient.
Microsoft is warning about a bug in Windows 11 that might lead to “data damage” for PCs running new CPUs that support the latest encryption protocols. Redmond has been vague on the details, including the severity, but the issue can affect storage encryption programs such as BitLocker.
Dubbed the Windows 11 2022 Update (and referred to as version 22H2 on your PC), the free download has started rolling out to users in more than 190 countries, says Microsoft. It comes with several new features and improvements offered to those on laptops, desktops and tablets. Is it worth the upgrade? Absolutely.