Ubuntu now requires more RAM than Windows 11

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Ubuntu’s move to raise its recommended RAM for the desktop edition from 4GB to 6GB—technically higher than Windows 11’s stated 4GB minimum—has triggered debate over whether Linux is losing its reputation for efficiency. Commenters note that the change seems driven less by the core OS and more by modern workloads dominated by memory-hungry browsers and apps, and emphasize that Windows 11 is effectively unusable with only 4GB despite its specification. Many argue that Ubuntu’s numbers are a realistic guideline rather than a hard limit, point to lighter Linux distributions and desktop environments as alternatives, and criticize Canonical-specific choices like Snap rather than “Linux” as a whole.

Nature of the New 6GB Requirement

  • Many see the 6GB figure as a recommendation for a decent user experience, not a hard block; Ubuntu will still install on less.
  • Several note the article itself says the change reflects modern workloads (many browser tabs, web apps, multitasking), not a fatter core OS.
  • Some think Canonical is mainly setting expectations and deflecting support complaints from users with under‑specced machines.

OS vs Applications in RAM Usage

  • Strong consensus that browsers (especially many tabs, Electron apps, web-heavy workflows) dominate memory use, not the Linux kernel or basic desktop.
  • Multiple anecdotes: lightweight setups idling well under 1–2GB vs “normal” dev/office workloads easily filling 8–16GB regardless of OS.

Ubuntu, GNOME, Snap and Perceived Bloat

  • Several complain Ubuntu feels slower/heavier than Debian/Fedora/Arch on the same hardware, sometimes blaming GNOME, sometimes Snap packaging.
  • Snap is widely criticized as bloated, slow, and intrusive; a few users left Ubuntu specifically because of Snap issues.
  • Others report Ubuntu GNOME idling around ~2GB, calling that reasonable for 2020s desktops.

Comparisons with Windows 11 and macOS

  • Many argue Windows 11’s official 4GB minimum is “dishonest”: it boots but runs poorly once typical apps (browser, Outlook, Teams, security tools) are open.
  • Some maintain Windows is actually quite memory‑efficient; others describe Windows 11 as bloated and sluggish even on 8GB.
  • macOS is said by some to handle memory pressure more gracefully and remain responsive at high utilization.

Desktop Environments and Alternative Distros

  • Several point out that Ubuntu ≠ Linux; minimal distros and lighter DEs (XFCE, LXQt, openbox, tiling WMs) run comfortably with 1–4GB.
  • GNOME/Wayland stacks are viewed as heavier but more user‑friendly; others praise old GTK2/X11 days as “snappier”.

Memory Management, Compression, and ZRAM

  • Linux features like zram/zswap are cited as ways to stretch 4GB into something usable, though Ubuntu reportedly doesn’t enable them by default.
  • Windows and macOS memory compression are mentioned as advantages under pressure.

Broader Reflections on Bloat and “Linux Efficiency”

  • Some say Linux’s famed efficiency advantage is shrinking on mainstream desktops; others counter that the ecosystem still offers ultra‑lean options.
  • General agreement that rising RAM needs come from modern software stacks, abstraction layers, garbage‑collected runtimes, and web‑centric apps—because “we can,” not because of strict necessity.