low latency Archives

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11’s explorer.exe has been unstable across taskbar, sign-in, and Task View, rolls out fix

Many users have experienced taskbar freezes and blank desktops upon startup in Windows 11. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and released the Windows 11 KB5089549 (May 2026 Update) on May 12, which addresses these concerns. The update installs Build 26200.8457 and aims to enhance the reliability of explorer.exe, particularly during sign-in and interactions with taskbar menus and Task View. Users can now reposition the taskbar and adjust its size, with plans for a customizable Start menu. The update improves the performance of launching startup apps, aiming to prevent them from competing for system resources. Additionally, Microsoft is optimizing the system tray for quicker access and enhancing Windows Hello functionality.

Winsage

May 20, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11’s Search will stop forcing web over your apps and local files in most cases

Windows 11's Search functionality has been updated to prioritize local files and applications over web results, improving the search experience. Recent testing shows that searches for specific files yield more relevant local results rather than web links. Microsoft has confirmed that these changes are part of an initiative to enhance the search experience, as noted in the release notes for Build 26300.8493. Users currently have the option to disable web search through the Registry, but this feature is not available in the Settings menu. Microsoft is working on further improvements, including a clearer distinction between local and web results, and enhancements to search functionality across the taskbar and File Explorer. Additionally, users can expect taskbar customization options and other features aimed at improving the overall user experience.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Microsoft is rebuilding XBOX and Windows 11 while Surface collects dust

Microsoft is making significant updates to Windows 11, including enhancements to the WinUI framework for improved user experience and a new rollback feature for drivers to prevent system crashes. The Xbox brand is rebranding with an all-caps style, reducing Game Pass prices, and discontinuing the "This is an Xbox" campaign while focusing on Project Helix. Windows 11 is also set to introduce a Low Latency Profile feature for better performance, particularly for gamers. Logitech's MX Master 4 mouse now supports native Windows 11 haptic effects. However, the Surface line remains stagnant, with outdated products compared to competitors like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, which offers better value and performance. The size of Windows 11 updates has increased, with some reaching up to 5GB, attributed to various factors including artificial intelligence.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Microsoft: Windows 11 to Be Faster Than Ever

Microsoft is enhancing the performance of Windows 11 with a focus on speed and efficiency. Key improvements include: - Accelerated app launch times, minimized system lag, enhanced memory and CPU efficiency, and smoother user interface interactions. - Introduction of the Low Latency Profile, which temporarily elevates CPU speed during intensive tasks to improve responsiveness. - Refinements to the WinUI 3 framework for quicker UI rendering and reduced system resource calls. - Enhancements to File Explorer for faster startup, decreased lag, and smoother file operations. - Reduction of RAM usage when idle, increasing memory availability and multitasking capabilities. - Transition towards more native Windows apps instead of web-based components for faster loading and a consistent user experience. - Improvements in system reliability with fewer driver issues, better update management, and reduced system crashes. These updates are expected to roll out gradually through 2026.

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 14, 2026

Microsoft is improving the responsiveness of Windows 11 with WinUI 3

Microsoft is advancing its Project K2 initiative to improve the Windows 11 user experience by addressing performance issues, AI features, updates, and storage use. A key aspect of this project is transitioning Windows 11 components like the Start menu and File Explorer to WinUI 3, with a focus on optimizing performance. Recent updates show that File Explorer has achieved a 41% reduction in memory allocations, a 63% decrease in transient allocations, a 45% drop in function calls, and a 25% reduction in execution time for WinUI code during launches. These enhancements are expected to be integrated into the winui3/main development branch and WinAppSDK 2.x, with some optimizations requiring applications to opt in. Microsoft is also working with various Windows teams to ensure comprehensive performance gains and has introduced a Low Latency Profile feature to boost CPU performance temporarily during application launches.

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.

Winsage

May 12, 2026

Windows 11’s New Speed Boost Could Bring 70% Faster Load Times

Microsoft is developing an update for Windows 11 that includes a new high-performance mode called the Low Latency Profile, which improves startup times for tasks. Early testing shows app load times can be up to 40% faster and interface launches up to 70% quicker. The Low Latency Profile temporarily boosts the CPU to its maximum frequency for one to three seconds when a user opens an application or interface. It primarily benefits Microsoft applications like Edge and Outlook, and some third-party apps may also qualify. The feature operates automatically without manual activation and has minimal impact on battery life and thermal performance. This update is part of the Windows K2 project aimed at enhancing Windows 11's performance. As of the end of the previous year, approximately 1 billion computers were still using Windows 10, which is set to lose support in October 2025, raising security concerns for users who do not transition to Windows 11.

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

Windows 11 is getting a macOS-like speed boost

Microsoft is testing a feature called the "Low Latency Profile" for Windows 11, which aims to reduce app launch times and improve the responsiveness of the Start menu by using dynamic CPU scaling to temporarily boost CPU frequency. Testers have reported up to a 40 percent acceleration in app launch times for Microsoft applications and up to 70 percent speed enhancements for the Start menu and context menus. Some critics have expressed concerns about this CPU burst approach, but Microsoft’s Scott Hanselman defended it, stating that similar techniques are used by other operating systems like macOS and Linux. This initiative is part of broader enhancements to improve Windows 11's performance, reliability, and user experience, including the removal of unnecessary Copilot buttons and less intrusive updates.