Microsoft appears to be prioritizing performance enhancements in its recent Windows 11 updates, moving away from a heavy focus on artificial intelligence features. The most recent update for Windows 11 includes a feature aimed at accelerating application launches, according to Windows Latest.
This update incorporates a 'low latency profile,' which was previously introduced but has now been expanded to cover applications in addition to system elements like the Start menu. This feature allows the operating system's scheduler to quickly boost CPU speeds for short, intensive tasks, such as opening applications, and then reduce them afterward. This adjustment is intended to make the OS feel snappier and more responsive.
The new functionality is expected to be included automatically with the latest Windows 11 update, specifically KB5121003, which corresponds to build 26200.9168 / 26100.9168. Users can verify its operation by monitoring their CPU clock speeds using software like HWInfo, looking for rapid boosts to near maximum speeds when launching applications.
Beyond the app launch improvements, recent weeks have seen other beneficial updates for Windows 11. Enhancements to the Start menu, initially released to Insider users, show promise for improved usability. While one user reported a temporary issue with their monitor after a recent update, potentially related to AMD drivers, this problem appears to have been resolved discreetly by either Microsoft or AMD.
These performance-focused updates arrive as Microsoft reportedly increases licensing fees for Windows to OEMs. The expectation is that these increased costs will be met with a more performant and responsive user experience, a direction that many users have been anticipating.