AMD has announced a significant development for users of its Ryzen CPUs, confirming that the much-anticipated Windows 11 preview optimization will now be accessible to the current public version, 23H2. This optimization, originally intended for the upcoming 24H2 release, has been backported by Microsoft and is available through a straightforward update process.
How to Access the Update
To take advantage of this performance boost, users can easily download the update via Windows Update. Simply navigate to the Start Menu, type “update,” and select “Check for Updates.” The specific update to look for is KB5041587. While AMD initially suggested checking the advanced section for optional updates, many users, including myself, found it readily available on the main page.
Once the update is installed, a restart of the PC is necessary for the changes to take effect. It’s advisable to save any ongoing work before proceeding with the restart, after which users can expect enhanced performance from their Ryzen CPUs, particularly those from the 5000, 7000, or 9000 series.
Antony Leather
Performance Gains Observed
In recent evaluations, various review platforms have scrutinized AMD’s announcement, revealing that the new Windows 11 update could yield substantial performance enhancements for Ryzen CPUs, dating back to the 5000 series. Notably, Hardware Unboxed reported a remarkable performance increase of up to 35% in gaming scenarios and an average boost of 11% across a diverse range of titles. These performance improvements extend beyond gaming, benefiting overall CPU functionality through advanced branch prediction optimizations.
Initially, this update was slated for the future 24H2 version of Windows 11, which was not expected to be publicly available until later this year unless users opted into the Windows Insider program. The eagerness surrounding this update, especially from Ryzen CPU owners and reviewers, prompted AMD and Microsoft to expedite its release, making it available to all Windows 11 users.
Questions Surrounding the Timing
Despite the excitement, some questions linger regarding the timing of the announcement. Why was this update not disclosed earlier, given its potential to deliver such a significant performance leap? Additionally, why was there no effort to synchronize the update’s release with the recent launch of the Ryzen 9000 series? Had this optimization been available at that time, it could have provided AMD with a competitive edge over Intel.
Furthermore, making this update available sooner could have encouraged users with older CPUs to consider upgrading to the new Zen 5 Ryzen 9000 models. However, it remains unclear whether Microsoft faced limitations in accelerating the release. Regardless, for those with AMD Ryzen CPUs, this update promises a notable performance enhancement in both gaming and other applications.
