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Microsoft's Windows 11 install floor is 4 GB. Copilot+ PCs require 16 GB. Apple's current M5 MacBook Air starts at 16 GB of unified memory, soldered. The marketed 8 GB 'everyday' machine is the one that starts swapping when the browser, a meeting app, and a document are open together. Buy 16 GB unless you have a specific reason not to, and 32 GB if you run VMs or heavy creative tools. You probably cannot add RAM later.
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The argumentRAM is working space, not a score. Microsoft will install Windows 11 in 4 GB, which is a compatibility floor, not a comfort floor. The same company requires 16 GB of DDR5 or LPDDR5 for Copilot+ PCs. Apple's March 2026 M5 MacBook Air ships 16 GB unified memory as the base, configurable to 24 or 32 GB, and that memory is not a user-upgradable slot. For browser tabs, documents, and a video call, 16 GB is the configuration that matches how people actually work in 2026. 8 GB can boot and stream. It becomes the machine that feels old while the chassis is still new. 32 GB is for virtual machines, large photo or video projects, and people who refuse to close things. Because most thin laptops solder the memory, the checkout screen is the last chance.
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