Windows 11 has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of its Low Latency Profile feature, which now extends its benefits to app launches following the August 2026 security update. This enhancement promises a more responsive experience, as users can expect applications to open more swiftly than before. Our tests confirm that this update indeed delivers on its promise, marking a notable improvement in app launch times.
Apps open quicker after installing Windows 11 August update, thanks to Microsoft’s CPU boost tech
The Low Latency Profile operates on a principle known as “race to sleep.” Unlike traditional methods where the CPU gradually increases its clock speed in response to demand, this innovative approach allows the CPU to spike to near-maximum frequency the moment an application is launched. This rapid response not only expedites the loading process but also allows the CPU to return to a low-power idle state more quickly, ultimately conserving energy.
While the feature was initially introduced in June 2026, it was limited to core Windows shell elements such as the Start menu and Notification Center. The August update, identified as KB5121003, finally activates this functionality for a broader range of applications, enhancing the overall user experience.
We tested it, and apps really do launch faster now
In our testing, we observed the performance of various applications both before and after the August update. Initially, when launching apps like Notepad, Chrome, and the Epic Games Store, the CPU clock speeds exhibited only minor fluctuations. However, post-update, we noted a remarkable change: the P-cores surged toward their maximum frequency upon launching an app, while the E-cores also demonstrated a significant increase in activity.
For instance, the notoriously resource-heavy Weather app, despite being a WebView2 application, displayed improved loading times. On our Intel Core i5-13420H setup, the P-cores reached close to their 4.6GHz peak, indicating a substantial performance boost. The Epic Games Store, which typically takes several seconds to load, also benefited from this enhancement, showcasing a noticeable reduction in wait times.
No, this won’t damage your CPU or drain your battery
Concerns regarding potential damage to the CPU or increased battery consumption have been addressed through extensive testing. Our experiments revealed no significant impact on battery life or thermal performance, as the CPU utilization remains stable. The brief frequency spikes do not contribute to overheating or excessive energy use, making this feature a safe enhancement for users.
How to enable Low Latency Profile for apps if you haven’t gotten it yet
For those who have yet to receive the Low Latency Profile for apps through the Controlled Feature Rollout, there is a way to manually enable it using a third-party tool called ViVeTool:
- Download and set up ViVeTool
- Open Command Prompt in Administrator mode
- Navigate to the ViVeTool folder by typing:
- Run the following command to enable Low Latency Profile:
- You should see a confirmation message. Restart your PC.
cd C:ViVeTool
vivetool /enable /id:58989092
After restarting, the Low Latency Profile should be active for both Windows Shell elements and app launches. However, patience may be the best approach, as Microsoft is gradually rolling out this feature to all users.
Windows 11 is its fastest version yet, and it’s only getting better
The introduction of Low Latency Profile for apps is part of a broader initiative by Microsoft to enhance Windows 11’s performance. The company has acknowledged the operating system’s memory usage concerns and is committed to optimizing it for devices with 8GB of RAM and above by the end of 2026. Additionally, ongoing efforts to improve the OS’s speed and efficiency, including the migration to WinUI, promise a smoother experience across all hardware configurations.
As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, users can look forward to a more responsive and efficient operating system, making it an appealing choice for both new and existing devices.
