Microsoft is Rolling Out Windows 11 Performance Boosting Update

If readers recall, Microsoft was preparing a “Low Latency Profile” feature as part of the Windows K2 effort, which boosts the system’s CPU to its maximum frequency for 1-3 seconds to ensure smoother app launches. Today, Microsoft is gradually rolling out this feature as part of the KB5089573 update for Windows 11. This update is delivered as an optional package that introduces the long-anticipated LLP. The LLP is designed to make core Windows applications, rather than general applications, launch noticeably faster, providing significant speed improvements. When launching Microsoft applications like Edge and Outlook, known as “in-box” apps, users can expect about a 40% faster application launch. Other features, such as the Start Menu and context menus across the operating system, may see speed improvements of up to 70%. Non-native Windows applications, such as your favorite AAA games, will rely on their own optimizations.

To take advantage of this performance boost, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, and install the KB5089573 (Build 26200.8524) for your Windows 11 system. However, it’s important to note that if you don’t notice an immediate difference, there’s no need to worry, as the change may not be applied right away. Microsoft uses a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) method, which involves downloading an update but only activating it once the system is ready. The underlying change is present, but the OS will monitor the system before fully implementing it.

Regarding the LLP, the boost is applied in short bursts of up to three seconds. It is expected that the performance benefits and overall smoothness will outweigh potential issues. These issues might include elevated CPU frequency during lighter tasks and general OS usage, which could result in slightly higher temperatures overall. This Low Latency Profile feature is reminiscent of Microsoft’s previous efforts when the company started preloading the File Explorer application at startup. Late last year, Microsoft explored this option, which had minimal impact on overall application launch speed. Since Microsoft cannot preload every application on Windows 11, the company is now exploring ways for the CPU to handle the heavy lifting, but only in short bursts that should not be very noticeable to the end user.