Microsoft is broadening the reach of its Low Latency Profile (LLP) feature, now available for all Windows 11 applications through this month’s Patch Tuesday update. Previously confined to the Start menu and native interface, LLP has expanded its capabilities to encompass most applications and Win32 programs as part of the KB5121003 update, which applies to all supported Windows editions. This enhancement temporarily elevates CPU frequency, facilitating quicker app launches.
How Low Latency Profile Speeds Up App Launches
The LLP employs a race-to-sleep methodology to manage app launch requests effectively. By momentarily boosting CPU frequency, it accelerates the launch process before reverting the processor to a lower-power state. Initially introduced earlier this year within the Windows interface and Windows Explorer, the August update extends this functionality to various apps and third-party programs developed with traditional Windows APIs like Win32, potentially enhancing their launch speeds.
Following the installation of KB5121003, Windows Latest confirmed that the LLP functioned as designed. Standard applications such as Notepad and Calculator, along with web browsers like Chrome and platforms like the Epic Games Store, exhibited faster opening times and content display.
Windows 11 has encountered some scrutiny regarding its performance relative to Windows 10. In response, Microsoft is implementing features like LLP to address these concerns.
How to Get Low Latency Profile and What Critics Say
The LLP feature is being rolled out through Microsoft’s Controlled Feature Rollout system, meaning that not every user will receive it simultaneously. To access this feature, users can follow these steps:
- Install the KB5121003 August Patch Tuesday update via Windows Update.
- Be patient as the feature becomes available, given the gradual rollout.
- If the feature does not appear, it can be enabled immediately using the ViveTool program.
Despite its advantages, some critics have labeled LLP as a mere shortcut to enhance the perception of speed in Windows 11 without implementing more profound optimizations. Microsoft VP Scott Hanselman countered this criticism by noting that Apple employs a similar strategy in macOS, which has been well-received by users. Additionally, the race-to-sleep technique is commonplace in Arm chips, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 and Nvidia’s RTX Spark.
As LLP continues to roll out to all Windows 11 users with the KB5121003 update, the Controlled Feature Rollout system ensures a gradual distribution. Users who do not experience immediate improvements in app launch speeds may still be awaiting the update or can opt to enable the feature early with ViveTool. Microsoft has yet to disclose a timeline for the completion of this rollout.
