What the Low Latency Profile in Windows 11 Does
Low Latency Profile in Windows is a system-level performance mode that briefly drives the CPU to higher boost frequencies when you open apps or core interface elements, trading tiny bursts of extra power for much faster responsiveness in Start, search, and system flyouts. Microsoft’s new profile arrives as part of the optional KB5089573 update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and it targets a long-standing complaint: the feeling that Windows 11 can lag or stutter during simple actions like opening the Start menu. Windows Central’s testing reports that system flyouts are up to 70% faster and Windows 11 app launch speed improves by up to 40% after installing the update. Microsoft describes it as a general performance upgrade that accelerates app launch and core shell experiences such as Start menu, Search, and Action Center.
Inside the CPU Boost Mechanism: Short Bursts, Lower Latency
Microsoft’s Low Latency Profile works by pushing the CPU into short, controlled overclock-like bursts when Windows detects latency‑sensitive actions. According to Windows Latest, the processor ramps to its maximum boost frequency for roughly one to three seconds when you open apps or invoke key shell features like the Start menu, Search, or Action Center. Wccftech notes that Windows Latest testing saw CPU utilization spike to 100% when opening the Action Center, and the bursts removed micro‑stutters while opening the Start menu. These boosts are not continuous; they are short, targeted responses meant to eliminate interface hitching without turning your PC into a space heater. For now, Microsoft is limiting the CPU boost performance gains to native Windows features and core shell components, with support for third‑party apps promised in a future Low Latency Profile update.
Performance Gains and Why They Matter for Windows 11
KB5089573 is the first major release under Microsoft’s K2 initiative, which shifts focus from piling on features to improving foundational performance. Users and reviewers have long compared Windows 11 unfavorably to other operating systems due to laggy Start interactions and inconsistent shell responsiveness. With Low Latency Profile Windows can respond faster to everyday actions, making the OS feel more immediate and consistent. Windows Central’s measurements show up to a 70% speedup in system flyouts and a 40% improvement in app launches, which points to a much snappier experience when opening Settings, notifications, or pinned apps. The gains are most noticeable in “core shell experiences” like Start, Search, and Action Center, where latency is most distracting. Combined with faster clipboard history, improved search that can find files using as few as two characters, and more responsive Task Scheduler columns, the whole desktop feels less bogged down.
How to Get KB5089573 and Enable Low Latency Profile
Low Latency Profile ships in the optional KB5089573 update, which corresponds to builds 26200.8524 and 26100.8524. Because this is an optional preview, you must install it manually by going to Settings, opening Windows Update, selecting Advanced options, and then Optional updates to pull in the preview build. Microsoft is using a gradual rollout, so even after installation the Low Latency Profile may not switch on immediately; the activation flag can arrive separately over the following weeks. At present, there is no built‑in toggle for Low Latency Profile in Windows 11’s settings. Wccftech reports that the feature is disabled by default on many systems but can be force‑enabled with third‑party tools such as ViVeTool, which flips hidden configuration IDs. Most users, however, will likely prefer to wait until Microsoft enables the profile automatically for all eligible PCs.
Beyond Low Latency: Other Improvements in KB5089573
While Low Latency Profile is the headline feature, KB5089573 includes around 30 other reliability and quality‑of‑life changes that round out the update. Windows Hello now keeps face or fingerprint recognition as the default sign‑in method, even if you previously chose a different option, while PIN entry remains active after three consecutive uses until you change it back. Bluetooth audio sharing adds support for Shared Audio, allowing two pairs of Bluetooth headphones to receive the same stream from one PC using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast. Windows Setup now lets you choose a custom user folder name directly from the Device Name page. On the hardware side, displays on USB4 docks should wake more reliably, USB3 recovery from hardware faults is improved, and new power handling changes stop some apps from draining the battery by keeping the sensor hub awake. Task Manager also gains expanded NPU monitoring for neural engines inside GPUs.