boosting Archives

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Windows 11’s May Optional Update Lands on the Release Preview Channel

The May optional update for Windows 11 introduces several features, including shared audio for Bluetooth LE accessories, simultaneous camera access for multiple applications, and NPU usage visibility in Task Manager. The update also improves the Magnifier accessibility feature and aims to enhance app launch speeds and core shell experiences. Additionally, Microsoft has released a first build of version 26H1 on the Release Preview Channel, which is intended for devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon® X2 Series chips. Devices running version 26H1 will not be eligible for the next annual feature update scheduled for late 2026.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

A PvE-only mode is coming to Marathon as Bungie lays out plans for seasons 3, 4 and 5

Marathon director Joe Ziegler discussed Bungie's plans for upcoming seasons of Marathon, highlighting the introduction of a new map featuring "alien elements and mind-warping debuffs" and the next Runner shell, Sentinel, which will offer a defensive kit. Two new PvE-focused modes will debut in Season 2: one experimental mode at the beginning of the season that combines PvE with a light touch of PvP, and a second PvE-only mode focused on crew objectives. Ziegler emphasized that while PvE options are being introduced, PvP will remain a core aspect of the game. Further details on Season 2 changes, including faction progression enhancements and new runner stat boosts, will be revealed the week of May 25.

Winsage

May 15, 2026

Microsoft confirms next Windows 11 update will “accelerate app launch and core shell experiences”

Microsoft will roll out Low Latency Profile enhancements for Windows 11 in the coming weeks, currently being tested in Release Preview builds. This feature optimizes CPU performance by temporarily boosting frequency during brief intervals, potentially improving app launch responsiveness by up to 40% and system flyouts by up to 70%. Preliminary tests indicate significant performance improvements, especially for users with lower-end hardware. The feature operates in the background and is not user-configurable. It will be included in an upcoming optional non-security preview update expected by the end of the month, followed by integration into the next monthly security patch on June 9. Updates will be rolled out in phases. These enhancements are part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative.

Winsage

May 13, 2026

Former Windows boss reveals why modern Windows 11 apps feel slower, says Microsoft once gave every engineer a stopwatch

Steven Sinofsky, former head of the Windows Division at Microsoft, discussed the company's engineering culture and its focus on resource management from 1980 to 2000, where every engineer was given a physical stopwatch to measure various performance metrics. This practice emphasized optimizing software for speed and efficiency, a stark contrast to modern applications that consume significant RAM due to shifts in market dynamics and hardware advancements. The current trend prioritizes rapid feature deployment over optimization, leading to performance issues in applications. Microsoft is responding to criticism by enhancing the performance of Windows 11, focusing on native desktop applications and optimizing core components, including the Start menu and File Explorer. They are also testing new CPU scheduling profiles to reduce micro-lags during user interactions.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Path of Exile 2’s new boss-taming summoner class breaks ARPG minions like never before

The Path of Exile 2 Return of the Ancients update is set to launch on May 29, introducing significant changes, including a redesign of the endgame and a crafting overhaul. Two new Ascendancies will be added: the Martial Artist Monk and the Spirit Walker Huntress. The Spirit Walker Ascendancy allows players to control powerful beast bosses and features three branches: Vivid, Primal, and Wild. The Vivid Path summons stag spirits, the Primal Path enhances projectile skills, and the Wild Path provides a spirit bear companion that boosts minion damage and life. The Idolatry path expands minion build options. The Natural Order feature allows the Tame Beast skill to work on unique beasts, starting with early-game adversaries and escalating to tougher foes. Game director Mark Roberts showcased a "zookeeper build" that utilizes the unique scepter Sylvan's Effigy, which removes companion limits. Companion damage has been buffed, and new features include a raven flock and a cluster grenade launcher called Redemption.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft is boosting the launch time of key Windows apps and features

Microsoft is piloting a new feature in Windows 11 called the Low Latency Profile, which aims to improve user experience by enhancing the speed and responsiveness of the operating system. This feature, available in the latest Insider builds, can make applications like Edge and Outlook launch up to 40% faster and improve the Start menu and context menus by up to 70%. The Low Latency Profile works by temporarily boosting CPU frequency during specific actions, such as launching apps or opening menus, for brief intervals of one to three seconds. It operates automatically in the background without a manual toggle option for users, with minimal impact on battery life and heat generation. While the feature is generally viewed positively, some users have criticized it, suggesting such enhancements should be standard in Windows 11.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft is fixing Windows 11’s speed problem with a feature macOS has had for years

Microsoft is testing a feature for Windows 11 called the "Low Latency Profile," which temporarily boosts CPU performance for one to three seconds during critical actions like launching applications or accessing the Start menu. Early tests show app launch times improving by up to 40% and Start menu responsiveness increasing by up to 70%. This feature operates automatically in the background, requiring no user adjustments, and has shown significant improvements even on low-resource virtual machines. A release date for the feature has not been announced, but it is expected to benefit users with lower-end devices.

Winsage

May 11, 2026

Microsoft denies Windows 11 CPU boost trick is a lazy fix, says Apple does this and you love it

The Low Latency Profile feature in Windows 11 temporarily increases CPU frequency to improve responsiveness for high-priority tasks, benefiting even low-powered virtual machines. It is currently available in Windows 11 Insider builds and aims to optimize performance with minimal impact on battery life and thermal performance. Critics have labeled it a "band-aid" solution for a bloated operating system, while Microsoft’s VP Scott Hanselman defended it as a standard practice in modern operating systems. He noted that the feature is particularly effective on ARM architecture, such as Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips, and explained that the complexity of contemporary Start menus requires more processing power than older versions. Microsoft is working to streamline the Start menu while also enhancing performance through the Low Latency Profile.

BetaBeacon

May 11, 2026

This handy feature gives PC gaming on Android a major boost

- Developer FrankBaretta has brought the Lossless Scaling Frame Generation (LSFG) tool to Android, originally released on Steam. - The LSFG feature is integrated into version 0.9.1 of the GameNative app, allowing users to access and adjust settings easily. - The Android port of LSFG may introduce 50 to 80 milliseconds of lag compared to the Linux version due to Android's limitations. - LSFG can significantly improve performance in games like The Last of Us Part 1, boosting frame rates from 30fps to over 80fps in some cases. - GameHub also introduced an AI frame generation feature in version 6.0.1.

AppWizard

May 10, 2026

Riot clarifies Trainwreck’s Valorant ban: “This wasn’t just a five-stack with friends on their own accounts”

Riot Games imposed a month-long ban on Tyler Faraz Nikam, known as 'Trainwreck,' due to his association with an Immortal player who was using smurf accounts, which raised concerns about the integrity of five-stack play in Valorant. Riot's anti-cheat team clarified that the ban resulted from a specific player's actions during Trainwreck's gaming session, which violated the Terms of Service. Trainwreck played with several streamers, including Jay 'Sinatraa' Won and Michael 'Dapr' Gulino, and expressed confusion over the ban, suggesting it was targeted. Riot emphasized that the issue was not with Trainwreck's high-ranking companions but with a player who had a history of infractions and was using multiple lower-ranked smurf accounts, achieving an 80% win rate over 50 games. This behavior contravened Riot's terms regarding account boosting. Trainwreck defended himself, stating that most players in his stacks were on their main accounts and questioned the legitimacy verification of his teammates' accounts. Riot clarified that the violation stemmed from a repeat offender manipulating matchmaking by borrowing accounts to achieve a lower rank, skewing the competitive environment.