According to a recent review by TechRadar and Windows Latest, the Windows 11 Weather app consumes an unexpectedly high amount of system RAM while displaying third-party advertisements. This public critique draws attention to broader issues around app efficiency and user experience within the Windows 11 operating system.
- High RAM consumption due to heavy Chromium-based architecture
- Includes third-party advertisements alongside forecasts
- Reflects broader concerns about Windows 11 performance and app bloat
Product angle
The source review highlights that the Windows 11 Weather app consumes an exceptionally large amount of RAM compared to similar apps, sometimes reaching peaks around 1GB or higher. This performance issue is largely attributed to the app's underlying architecture, which runs multiple Chromium processes simultaneously, making it resource intensive. The source also notes that while the app offers comprehensive weather data, its efficiency trade-offs significantly impact system performance.
In addition to resource demands, the app displays ads sourced from the MSN network, which include unrelated commercial promotions such as footwear and insurance. This advertising presence is seen as a drawback, especially given that Windows 11 is a paid operating system, leading to criticism that premium users receive promotions within native system apps. The app encapsulates larger challenges Microsoft faces in fine-tuning Windows 11’s default software for optimal user experience.
Best for / avoid if
The Weather app may suit users who prioritize having extensive weather information readily accessible through a default Windows experience and do not mind higher system resource usage. It works well on machines with ample RAM and processing power where the app’s memory footprint is less likely to impact overall system performance significantly.
However, users with lower RAM configurations, such as those relying on 8GB systems or budget laptops, should be cautious. The heavy resource consumption and presence of embedded ads can degrade overall system efficiency and user experience. Those seeking a lightweight, ad-free weather application or a more streamlined solution might want to explore alternative weather apps or widget options.
Pricing and alternatives to check
The Weather app comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and does not require separate purchase or subscription, reflecting a bundled default software approach. As Windows 11 is a paid operating system, some users find the inclusion of third-party ads within native apps inconsistent with expectations for a premium product experience. Microsoft has pledged to reduce upselling in the OS, indicating potential future updates that may improve this aspect.
Alternatives exist that provide weather information while being more resource-conservative and ad-free. For instance, macOS native weather apps reportedly use significantly less RAM. Users on Windows can also explore third-party applications offering a more minimal footprint or use browser-based weather services free of embedded ads. Considering productivity and system resource needs will help buyers decide the best fit for their setup.