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PC Gamer
PC Gamer
Jacob Fox

It looks like Windows updates might actually be speeding up the OS now

Illustrations Of The Microsoft Windows Operating SystemThe Windows logo appears on the screen of a smartphone reflecting an abstract illustration in blue colors. Microsoft releases a major update to Windows 11 (25H2) and Windows 10 support ends permanently on October 14. In Creteil, France, on October 9, 2025.

We've been hearing for quite some time that Microsoft is planning on making changes to Windows 11 that focus on performance, quality-of-life, and just actually good things. Rather than, y'know, AI gubbins almost nobody was asking for.

And now, according to Windows Latest, the most recent update for Windows 11 includes a feature that's supposed to make apps launch quicker.

The 'low latency profile' launched earlier in the year but it now apparently covers apps in addition to Windows elements such as the Start menu. This feature essentially allows the scheduler to have the CPU boost up to fast speeds and drop down again quicker, which is good for short burst tasks like opening apps.

You should get this feature automatically with the latest Windows 11 KB5121003, build 26200.9168 / 26100.9168 update, and you can check whether it's working by keeping an eye on your CPU clock speed and seeing whether it boosts up near max in software like HWInfo.

This isn't the only useful update we've seen for Windows 11 in recent weeks. Although initially just for Insiders, recent improvements to the Start menu look promising. And while a recent update did seem to mess up my monitor (or, perhaps more likely, my AMD driver and how it interacts with my monitor), that issue has disappeared now, so either Microsoft or AMD presumably fixed it on the down-low. It wasn't a problem for too long, just a few days.

All this being said, there is certainly a slight taste of 'it's about time' regarding these actually useful Windows 11 improvements, especially since Microsoft is reportedly charging OEMs significantly more for Windows licenses now. At least we should be getting a snappier, more performant experience for that extra cash. Keep these updates rollin', Microsoft. I'm here for them.

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