Why Does Windows 11’s Weather App Eat So Much Memory? (And Why It Matters)

Imagine you just bought a brand-new laptop. You open the weather app to check if you need an umbrella—and suddenly, over 1 gigabyte (GB) of your precious RAM is gone. Just like that. No videos playing. No games running. Just… weather.

Sound crazy? According to recent testing by Windows Latest, that’s exactly what happens with the default MSN Weather app in Windows 11.

Let’s break down what’s going on, why it matters, and what it means for your computer.

What’s the Big Deal?

Important Point:
The Windows 11 Weather app uses nearly 1.2 GB of RAM just to sit there and show you the forecast. That’s before you click anything, scroll, or interact with it at all.

To put that in perspective:

• Windows 11 Weather (MSN Weather): ~1.2 GB RAM + shows ads
• macOS Weather (Apple’s built-in app): ~5× less memory + no ads

Yep. Apple’s version does the same job—shows you the weather—but uses a tiny fraction of the resources and doesn’t shove advertisements in your face.

Why Should You Care About RAM Usage?

Think of RAM (Random Access Memory) like your desk space.

• More RAM = bigger desk → you can spread out more papers (apps) and work faster.
• Less RAM = tiny desk → things get cluttered, slow down, or start falling off (crashing).

When a simple weather app hogs 1.2 GB, it’s like leaving a giant textbook open on your desk all day—just in case you want to glance at the temperature.

The 8 GB vs. 32 GB Story

Here’s where it gets really interesting.

1. Microsoft Used to Say: “Get 32 GB!”

Until recently, Microsoft’s own documentation recommended 32 GB of RAM for new PCs running Windows 11.

2. Now They Say: “8 GB Is Fine!”

Last week, Microsoft quietly removed that 32 GB recommendation. Their new stance? 8 GB is optimized for Windows 11.

3. The Math Doesn’t Add Up

If your laptop has 8 GB of RAM total:

• The Weather app alone takes ~15% of it (1.2 GB ÷ 8 GB)
• That’s before you open:
  • Your browser (Chrome/Edge = 2–4+ GB)
  • Office apps (Word, Excel)
  • Background services (antivirus, updates, etc.)

Important Point:
On an 8 GB machine, the Weather app eats a huge chunk of your “desk space” before you even start working.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Windows vs. macOS Weather Apps

Why This Matters for Everyday Users

You might think, “I have 16 or 32 GB—why should I care?”

Because bad habits scale. If Microsoft’s own flagship apps are bloated and ad-filled:

• Other built-in apps (News, Mail, Photos) might be just as heavy
• It sets a low bar for third-party developers
• It suggests optimization isn’t a priority—even for simple tools

And for people on budget laptops with 8 GB? This directly slows them down.

What Can You Do Right Now? (Numbered Steps)

1. Check Your Own Usage
   Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Open Task Manager → Click Memory column to sort. See how much “MSN Weather” or “Weather” uses.

2. Use a Lighter Alternative

   • Try Weather Bar (free, open-source, tiny)
   • Or just search “weather” in your browser—no app needed!

3. Disable/Uninstall the App

   • Right-click Start → Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
   • Find “MSN Weather” → Click … > Uninstall

4. Give Feedback to Microsoft

   • Open Feedback Hub (press Win + F)
   • Search for “Weather app RAM” or “ads in built-in apps”
   • Upvote or submit your own report
5. Consider More RAM on Next Purchase
   If you’re buying new: 16 GB should be the minimum for a smooth Windows 11 experience in 2024+.

Summary

• Windows 11’s default Weather app uses ~1.2 GB RAM just to run—5× more than macOS.
• It also shows ads, despite Windows being a paid product.
• Microsoft now says 8 GB RAM is enough—but the Weather app alone takes 15% of that.
• This is a symptom of a bigger issue: built-in apps aren’t optimized.
• You can uninstall it and use lighter alternatives today.
• Microsoft should fix this—small apps shouldn’t need big resources.

FAQ

1. Is 1.2 GB of RAM actually a lot?

For a full-screen game or video editor? No. For a tiny weather widget that just shows text and icons? Yes—it’s massive.

2. Can I completely remove the MSN Weather app?

Yes! It’s uninstallable like any other Store app. See Step 3 above.

3. Does the macOS Weather app really use 5× less memory?

According to Windows Latest’s testing, yes. Apple’s app is native, lightweight, and ad-free.

4. Why does Microsoft put ads in a paid OS app?

Likely to monetize engagement. But many users (and critics) agree: if you paid for Windows, you shouldn’t see ads in core apps.

5. Will Microsoft fix this?

They’ve said they’re “committed to optimizing Windows 11.” But so far, no timeline or update has been announced for the Weather app specifically. Your feedback helps!

Final Thought:
Your computer’s memory is yours. Every app should earn its keep—especially the ones that come pre-installed.