Microsoft starts rolling out new Windows 11 Low Latency Profile CPU boost with optional May update

Microsoft is following through on its previously announced "Low Latency Profile" feature with a new optional preview update, KB5089573, for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. The official changelog for the update lists the change under "General Performance". It doesn't mention the Low Latency Profile by name, but it appears to be the same CPU-burst feature seen in earlier Windows 11 testing.

Low Latency Profile temporarily boosts the CPU to its maximum frequency for 1 to 3 seconds to make app launches smoother. The feature is designed specifically for core Windows tools, with Microsoft in-box applications like Edge and Outlook seeing around 40% faster launch times, while OS flyouts such as the Start menu, Notification Center, right-click menus, and other shell areas may see speed improvements of up to 70%. Third-party apps aren't part of the optimization package just yet, but they will be in a future update to Low Latency Profile.

KB5089573 is currently optional and in preview, meaning it won't be installed automatically. If you want it early, head to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, then install it manually. Due to Microsoft's gradual rollout system, the feature may not be available to everyone immediately after installing the update. Users can force-enable it early using ViVeTool, but this requires running a few commands in a Command Prompt window. If you are not familiar with this, just wait for the official rollout for your system.

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Some have criticized Microsoft for creating the Low Latency Profile, arguing that the company should focus on code optimization rather than using higher CPU clocks to mask latency. However, the technique itself is nothing new. Both macOS and Linux have used similar burst-performance behavior for years, meaning Microsoft is largely catching up to everyone else.

Beyond the Low Latency Profile, KB5089573 also brings improvements to audio, Task Manager, and the Camera app. The full rollout to all Windows 11 users is expected on Patch Tuesday in June 2026. Windows Central reports that KB5089573 is the first update from the secret Windows K2 project, which aims to consistently improve Windows 11 performance through 2027.