Microsoft has announced a significant enhancement for Windows 11 applications, promising a remarkable 50% increase in loading speeds and a reduction in memory usage by as much as eight times through the introduction of native Ahead-Of-Time (AOT) compilation support. This development aims to address the ongoing performance challenges that many users have encountered with Windows 11 apps.
Native Ahead-Of-Time Compilation improves Windows 11 app performance drastically
The Windows App SDK 1.6 is set to transform the user experience for applications built on this platform. Historically, developers have faced numerous hurdles with the SDK, which has been linked to various performance issues. Despite Microsoft’s previous attempts to resolve these concerns, many developers continued to struggle with slow launches and bugs that plagued WinAppSDK-based applications.
With the integration of Native AOT compilation, Microsoft asserts that the performance of these applications has seen a marked improvement. Unlike traditional methods that rely on the Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler, Native AOT apps can operate independently of the .NET runtime, allowing for a more streamlined experience.
Key benefits of Native AOT support include:
- Accelerated app launch times by 50%
- Reduction in app size by up to 8 times
- Doubling the app size reduction when using the SDK in self-contained mode
In addition to these performance enhancements, Native AOT support brings several other features aimed at improving the overall app experience. These enhancements include:
- Enhanced Package Management APIs for more efficient application management
- Decoupling of WinAppSDK from Edge WebView2 for greater flexibility in app development
- A new CanTearoutTabs mode, enabling users to drag tabs out of the application’s TabView
Furthermore, Microsoft has transitioned from embedding the hard-coded Edge WebView2 SDK into the WinAppSDK to offering it as a NuGet package. This change is designed to further minimize app sizes and enhance performance. Alongside these updates, Microsoft has also implemented various bug fixes to ensure a smoother user experience. With these advancements, the Windows 11 App Store is poised to deliver a more enjoyable and efficient app experience for users in the near future.