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- Microsoft is working to speed up boot times
- Over at IFA 2026 a Microsoft executive said that ‘we’ve made significant gains’ with startup speeds and more
- The exec also underlined Microsoft’s commitment to get Windows 11 running more smoothly on 8GB PCs
Microsoft is poised to enhance the performance of Windows 11, particularly in terms of boot times. During a recent presentation at IFA 2026, Mark Linton, Vice President of Windows & Devices at Microsoft, shared insights into the company’s ongoing efforts to improve startup speeds. He noted, “We’ve made significant gains on things like boot time, Windows Hello responsiveness.” The latter refers to the secure login feature that utilizes facial recognition technology, which, when optimized, promises to deliver a quicker transition to the desktop environment.
Although this performance upgrade is still in the internal development phase and has not yet reached public testing, the anticipation surrounding these enhancements is palpable. Windows Latest reports that the improvements could lead to users reaching the lock screen almost instantaneously, a prospect that many will find appealing given the already swift boot times of Windows 11.
Analysis: performance promises are underlined
The term ‘significant’ used by Linton suggests a meaningful enhancement, with expectations of achieving boot times that could rival the blink of an eye. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Windows 11 operates more efficiently overall. Users can look forward to more responsive menus and faster application loading times, with features like the ‘Low Latency Profile’ already being rolled out to boost CPU performance.
This focus on performance is particularly relevant as 8GB laptops are experiencing a resurgence, driven by rising notebook prices amid a RAM crisis. Microsoft is committed to ensuring that Windows 11 performs optimally even on devices with this memory configuration. Linton emphasized this commitment, stating, “We’re continuing to improve on the fundamentals,” and assured users that “8 gig of RAM runs great on machines as well.” While specific performance metrics remain undisclosed at this stage, the ongoing developments signal a promising future for Windows 11 users.
