What KB5089573 and Low Latency Profile Do for Windows 11
Windows 11’s KB5089573 update introduces a Low Latency Profile that speeds up system flyouts and core shell experiences by briefly pushing the CPU to higher boost frequencies, delivering faster Start, search, and Action Center interactions without changing everyday workflows. Positioned as part of Microsoft’s new K2 performance initiative, this update answers long-standing complaints that Windows 11 felt slower than previous versions by prioritizing responsiveness over new features. The result is a system performance boost most users will feel in routine tasks, from opening apps to triggering system menus. Microsoft describes KB5089573 as a production-quality preview for versions 24H2 and 25H2, meaning it is optional for now but slated to roll into a future cumulative update. For users willing to install it early, it offers a first look at how Microsoft intends to make Windows 11 speed improvements a headline feature rather than a side effect.
How Low Latency Profile Achieves Faster Flyouts and App Launches
Low Latency Profile focuses on short, targeted bursts of CPU performance rather than sustained high clocks. When you open an app or trigger features like the Start menu, search, or Action Center, the CPU ramps to maximum boost frequency for one to three seconds, cutting lag during the most noticeable moments of interaction. Windows Central’s testing found that system flyouts are up to 70% faster, while app launches improve by about 40%, turning what used to feel sluggish into snappier responses. According to Microsoft, the update “accelerates app launch and core shell experiences such as Start menu, Search, and Action Center.” At this stage, Low Latency Profile mainly benefits Windows’ own interface and native tools; Microsoft has confirmed that support for third-party apps will arrive in a future update, expanding the scope of these faster app launches beyond the core shell.
Where You’ll Notice the Windows 11 Speed Improvements
The most visible Windows 11 speed improvements land in the parts of the interface people use dozens of times a day. Core shell elements like the Start menu, search, Action Center, and system flyouts now respond faster, with reduced delay between input and on-screen feedback. Features such as clipboard history and Windows Search benefit as well, with search now able to find files using as few as two characters and clipboard history opening more quickly. Windows Hello sign-in behaves more predictably: face and fingerprint login remain the default, while repeated PIN use locks the system into PIN until users switch back. File Explorer gets reliability fixes, and Modern Standby resume is more consistent, improving wake-from-sleep scenarios. Together, these changes make Windows feel lighter and more immediate, aligning with the K2 initiative’s goal of improving foundational responsiveness instead of adding flashy new features that do not address lag.
Optional Preview Today, Wider Rollout and Extra Features Tomorrow
KB5089573 is currently an optional preview update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 users, accessible through the Optional updates section in Settings. Installing it bumps systems to OS builds 26200.8524 or 26100.8524 and includes Servicing Stack improvements to cut down on failed update installations. Microsoft is rolling out Low Latency Profile gradually, so some users may not see the full speed gains immediately after installation. Beyond performance, the update adds Bluetooth LE Audio Shared Audio for streaming to two headsets at once, multi-app camera support, expanded NPU monitoring in Task Manager, and quality-of-life tweaks like letting Windows Setup choose a custom user folder name. It also improves USB4 display wake behavior and reduces power drain by refining sensor hub usage during standby. These additions make KB5089573 more than a speed patch; it is a broader system performance boost and reliability update wrapped in a single, optional package.