performance enhancement Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 12, 2026

Percona launches fixed-scope packages for open databases

Percona has launched Percona Packages, a suite of consulting and support services for database and IT teams using open-source systems. The initial offerings include: 1. **Quickstart**: Prepares database environments for high-demand periods with proactive optimization, a health check, and three months of expert support. 2. **Performance Optimization**: Identifies and resolves database performance issues, including slow queries and configuration problems, through hands-on tuning and best-practice guidance. 3. **AI Readiness**: Tailored for PostgreSQL, this package optimizes databases for AI workloads, featuring performance metrics analysis and benchmarks. These packages aim to address the skills shortage in data engineering and management, supporting various open-source database technologies like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, and Valkey. The services are designed to help organizations prepare for peak usage and improve ongoing performance, allowing them to focus on innovation rather than infrastructure.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Valve’s new Steam Deck update doesn’t promise much, but classic Call of Duty games could see some real performance gains

The January 8 SteamOS beta update introduces a feature called ntsync, which provides kernel-level support for a driver that enhances Windows game performance on Linux systems, particularly for the Steam Deck. This update may improve performance for older titles in the Call of Duty franchise and other classic games. Testing on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare showed minor frame rate improvements when using the ntsync-enabled Proton-GE fork, stabilizing frame rates around 135-144 FPS compared to 130-140 FPS on the fsync build. Users have reported that issues like framerate drops and graphical glitches in Call of Duty Black Ops have been resolved with the new Proton-GE/ntsync combination. To utilize these improvements, users can opt into the SteamOS 3.7.20 beta branch and install the latest Proton-GE version via the Proton Up-Qt app.

Winsage

December 26, 2025

This Registry Hack Unlocks a Faster NVMe Driver in Windows 11

A new native NVMe storage driver has been introduced in Windows Server 2025, aimed at improving SSD performance by reducing CPU overhead and enhancing IOPS performance. Users have found a way to enable this driver on Windows 11 through manual registry edits, although Microsoft has not officially supported this for consumer versions. The driver implementation in Server 2025 could lead to an 80% increase in IOPS and a 45% reduction in CPU usage, but these figures are specific to server workloads. Community testing on Windows 11 version 25H2 has shown performance improvements of 10-15%. Enabling the driver requires editing the registry, and users must back up the registry or create a restore point beforehand. After activation, NVMe drives will appear under "Storage Media" in Device Manager. Some users may experience compatibility issues with SSD management utilities post-activation. To revert to the default NVMe driver, users can delete the added DWORD entries from the registry and restart the system. This adjustment is experimental and may not guarantee performance upgrades.

Winsage

December 24, 2025

Windows 11 driver hack boosts NVMe SSD performance by up to 85%

Windows 11 has recently begun to unlock the full potential of NVMe SSDs through registry modifications that enable a pseudo driver injection, resulting in nearly double the random write performance in certain scenarios. A native NVMe driver was rolled out in a recent update to Windows Server 2025, but it is not enabled by default in consumer versions of Windows 11. Users can activate it through specific registry edits. Testing by users revealed significant enhancements in random read and write performance after implementing these changes, with one user noting an 85% improvement in random write speeds. However, caution is advised when making registry edits, as some users have experienced loss of access to their file systems, which was recoverable by reverting the changes. There is no official timeline for when Microsoft will make the native NVMe driver available for Windows 11.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Complaints about Windows 11’s fix for File Explorer sluggishness are overblown – but they underline a fundamental problem with the OS

Windows 11 has introduced a fix in a preview build to improve the speed of File Explorer by preloading the application during system boot. Initial tests indicate a noticeable speed improvement, although it doubles RAM usage with only a modest increase in performance. Critics argue that Microsoft's approach appears reactive and lacks a comprehensive strategy for overall performance enhancement. The preloading fix does provide a tangible speed boost with manageable RAM impact, but concerns remain about the broader user experience and future updates.

Tech Optimizer

November 21, 2025

Azure HorizonDB: Microsoft goes big with PostgreSQL

Microsoft has introduced a new variant of PostgreSQL for cloud environments, aimed at users migrating from community versions to Azure for a fully integrated experience. Shireesh Thota noted that users desire operational flexibility and enhanced performance, with many opting to move their PostgreSQL databases to Azure. Azure Database for PostgreSQL is suitable for users looking for a straightforward migration, while HorizonDB is designed for AI-native and cloud-native workloads, offering significant performance improvements. HorizonDB showcases a threefold increase in throughput for transactional workloads compared to open-source PostgreSQL, can scale up to 3072 cores, and provides up to 128TB of storage with sub-millisecond commit times. Its architecture separates compute and storage, allowing independent scaling based on user needs.

Tech Optimizer

November 18, 2025

Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18 launches with Safe Folder and wider malware protection

IObit has released Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18, which features a Safe Folder for protecting sensitive files against unauthorized access and ransomware. The antivirus database has been expanded to target more malware, and the Surfing Protection Database now covers more malicious websites and ads. The Startup Optimization feature has been improved to monitor more background items, reducing boot time. The Junk File Clean tool now clears temporary data from a wider range of applications, including Microsoft Store apps. The Privacy Sweep feature removes additional traces from apps and browsers, and the software updater now supports more programs. The AutoCare feature adjusts maintenance tasks based on user behavior. Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18 is available for free download for all Windows versions from Vista onward, with a subscription option for a single PC.

Tech Optimizer

October 22, 2025

Researchers tout vector-based automated tuning in PostgreSQL

Automated database systems using vector embedding algorithms can improve PostgreSQL database performance by two to ten times, according to researcher Andy Pavlo from Carnegie Mellon University. Automating database tuning is complex due to the challenge of addressing multiple tuning parameters simultaneously. Pavlo categorized tuning options into four groups: System Knobs, Physical Design, Query Tuning, and Life Cycle Management. Machine learning techniques have been developed to tackle these issues, but a holistic tuning agent, Proto-X, was created to optimize all parameters at once. Proto-X uses an encoder to transform database configurations into feature vectors and employs a reinforcement learning algorithm to rank tuning choices. The integration of an LLM-based "booster" can reduce the initial 12-hour processing time to about 50 minutes and allows for rapid responses in critical situations. Pavlo is establishing a new company, So You Don't Have To (SYDHT), to provide PostgreSQL database services with holistic tuning and LLM boosting, aiming for a launch next year.

Winsage

September 28, 2025

Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery aims for a ‘console-quality’ experience on Windows

Microsoft has announced the launch of their Advanced Shader Delivery feature, set to debut on October 16th, coinciding with the release of the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds. This feature aims to deliver a console-quality experience on Windows by distributing precompiled shaders during game downloads, eliminating in-game shader compilation stutter and long load times. Gamers who own the ROG Xbox Ally devices will receive precompiled shaders at download time for select titles, allowing them to start gaming faster. The feature is expected to enable players to enter games up to ten times faster, enjoy smoother gameplay, and benefit from improved battery life. Precompiled shaders will be updated whenever players download games or install new drivers.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

Microsoft Working to Fix Lag and Slowness in Windows 11

Since its debut in October 2021, Windows 11 has faced various performance-related issues, particularly lag during gaming on hybrid CPUs, leading many users to prefer Windows 10. Microsoft has released several updates to improve performance, but challenges remain. A new feature in a recent test build aims to collect performance logs from users to aid in diagnosing issues, with plans for it to be included in the upcoming 25H2 update. Throughout 2023, Microsoft has made improvements to the taskbar, notification center, quick settings, and reduced the impact of startup applications on boot time. The 24H2 update has also enhanced performance for older PCs. For the 25H2 update, Microsoft will implement stricter driver certification standards, including static analysis to identify code issues before deployment.