What the KB5089573 Windows 11 performance update delivers
The Windows 11 performance update known as KB5089573 is an optional preview release that speeds up core shell experiences, introduces a Low Latency Profile for faster responsiveness, and ships over 30 reliability fixes across authentication, power, audio, and hardware handling. Windows Central’s testing shows that system flyouts, such as quick settings and notifications, are now up to 70% faster, while app launches improve by around 40%, making everyday navigation feel more responsive. Microsoft describes KB5089573 as a “production-quality” update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, raising OS builds to 26200.8524 and 26100.8524. It focuses on Start menu, Search, Action Center, File Explorer stability, and power efficiency instead of headline new features. This shift follows the K2 initiative, a program aimed at fixing long‑standing complaints that Windows 11 felt slower than earlier versions by targeting foundational system optimization rather than adding more features.
How Low Latency Profile delivers faster app launches and flyouts
Low Latency Profile is Microsoft’s new system optimization feature that boosts CPU performance for short bursts when users open apps or trigger core Windows elements. According to PCMag, the profile causes the CPU to ramp to its maximum boost frequency for about one to three seconds during actions such as launching apps or opening Start, Search, or Action Center, which helps reduce perceived lag. Microsoft says the KB5089573 update “accelerates app launch and core shell experiences such as Start menu, Search, and Action Center.” For now, Low Latency Profile mainly benefits built‑in Windows tools and shell components; Microsoft has confirmed that wider support, including third‑party apps, will arrive in a future update. The company is rolling out the profile gradually on the back end, so some users may not feel the full speed gains for several weeks after installing the update.
Beyond speed: 30 changes from Windows Hello to NPU monitoring
While faster app launches and system flyouts headline this Windows 11 performance update, KB5089573 also brings about 30 other changes that refine the overall experience. Windows Hello behavior is more predictable: face and fingerprint sign‑in now remain the default even if users previously chose another method, and entering a PIN three times in a row keeps the system on PIN until changed manually. Shared Audio arrives, letting two Bluetooth LE Audio devices listen to the same source simultaneously, and Multi‑App Camera support allows multiple apps to use the camera feed at once. Task Manager gains expanded NPU visibility, displaying neural engines integrated into GPUs to help users understand AI workloads. Quality‑of‑life tweaks include faster Clipboard history, Windows Search finding files with as few as two characters, Task Scheduler remembering column widths, improved USB4 display wake behavior, and better USB3 recovery from unexpected hardware faults.
Optional rollout, installation steps, and known update pitfalls
KB5089573 is currently an optional preview update, with Microsoft planning to fold it into a future cumulative Patch Tuesday release. Users can install it by going to Settings, opening Windows Update, selecting Advanced options, and choosing the Optional updates section where the KB5089573 entry appears. The update bundles a Servicing Stack Update to improve installation reliability, as Microsoft continues to reduce failed update attempts and rollbacks. However, known issues remain: some systems may still experience installation failures that trigger automatic rollback, so IT admins may prefer to test on a limited set of devices before wide deployment. Low Latency Profile features are also being enabled in stages and might not appear immediately after installation, depending on the device and region. For advanced users, tools like ViVeTool can enable Low Latency Profile early, but this involves command‑line tweaks and carries more risk than waiting for the official activation.