Microsoft has unveiled an optional update for Windows 11, designated as KB5089573, which promises to enhance the operating system’s performance significantly. This update is the first to emerge from the company’s discreet Project K2 initiative, aimed at refining Windows 11’s efficiency through 2027.
What the performance boost entails
According to reports from Windows Central, the KB5089573 update introduces a feature known as the “Low Latency Profile.” This innovative addition is designed to accelerate the operating system’s responsiveness, particularly when executing essential tasks. The overarching goal of Project K2 is to continuously elevate Windows 11’s performance, thereby enticing users back to the platform.
TESTED: Windows 11’s upcoming “Low Latency Profile” mode brings genuine performance improvements to the OS, speeding up flyout and app launches significantly. We’ve benchmarked opening some apps on video with the Low Latency Profile enabled and disabled, and you can see… pic.twitter.com/BCNtsXmx31— Windows Central (@WindowsCentral) May 8, 2026
Microsoft highlights that this update enhances general performance, specifically accelerating app launches and core shell experiences, including the Start menu, Search, and Action Center. The Low Latency Profile feature briefly elevates CPU clock speeds to maximum capacity for up to three seconds during critical tasks, effectively eliminating lag and stutters.
This approach, while new to Windows, has been successfully implemented in both macOS and Linux for years. Insider testers have reported noticeable performance improvements while using the Low Latency Profile in beta versions of Windows. Windows Latest has corroborated these findings, noting potential performance boosts of up to 70% for opening flyouts and 40% for launching applications, contributing to a swifter overall experience with Windows 11.
How to get the update with the performance boost
The KB5089573 update is currently optional and in a preview phase, meaning it will not be automatically installed on users’ systems. For those eager to experience the performance enhancements before the broader rollout next month, the update can be manually installed by navigating to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates. Alternatively, it can be downloaded directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
It is important to note that Microsoft is implementing this feature gradually, so immediate performance improvements may not be apparent right after installation. Users might have to wait a few weeks to fully experience the benefits.
In addition to the Low Latency Profile, KB5089573 also includes enhancements to audio, the Task Manager, and the Camera app. The comprehensive rollout of this update to all Windows 11 users is anticipated to occur as scheduled on Patch Tuesday in June 2026.
