Windows 11 Finally Gets a Real Speed Boost!
Since Windows 11 debuted, many of you have asked: “Why does Windows 11 feel slower than Windows 10?”
You aren’t imagining things. Windows 11 has always suffered from a subtle, but noticeable lag. When you click the Start Menu, open a folder, or right-click to copy a file, there is often a tiny, split-second hesitation. It’s not that your computer lacks power; it’s just that the Windows 11 interface feels a bit… clunky – for lack of a more technical term.
Well, we have good news for all Windows 11 users today. Microsoft has finally listened and released a new update, KB5089573.
The “K2” Speed Injection
Microsoft is currently rolling out an optional preview update called KB5089573 (for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2). It is part of a major performance project at Microsoft code-named “K2,” and its only purpose is to make your PC feel faster.
So instead of burying you with useless or annoying AI features, Microsoft, with this update, targets what all of us Windows 11 users want – a faster computer.
To get rid of the lag and boost performance, Microsoft is using something new called a Low Latency Profile. Here is how it works in plain English:
When you click to do something—like opening the Start Menu, using Windows Search, or launching an app—Windows instantly recognizes your action and gives your computer’s processor a tiny, lightning-fast “burst” of speed.
The Proof is in the Numbers
This isn’t just typical Microsoft marketing fluff. Microsoft’s official testing logs show dramatic, real-world improvements in the performance speed of Windows features you use every single day:
System Menus & Flyouts
Up to 70% faster response times.
App Launches
Up to 40% faster loading when you click an icon.
File Explorer
Smoother navigation, reduced lag in right-click context menus, and faster loading when opening large folders.
No, this update won’t turn an ancient laptop into a supercomputer, but it will make a difference in how fast your computer runs by eliminating that frustrating hesitation that makes even a fast PC feel slower than it should.
How to Get It Right Now
Because this is currently a “preview” update, Windows won’t install it automatically just yet. It will roll out to everyone automatically next month, but if you want that speed boost today, you can install it manually in less than two minutes.
1. Open Windows Settings. Click your Start Menu and select the gear icon for Settings (or hold down the Windows Key and press the letter I on your keyboard).
2. Navigate to Windows Update. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Windows Update at the very bottom of the list.
3. Click the grey Check for updates button on the right side of the screen.
4. Look closely below the main update bar for a section labeled “Optional quality update available.” You should see KB5089573 listed there. Click Download & Install, and let your PC restart when prompted!
If you prefer to play it safe and don’t like installing “preview” updates, don’t worry! This performance fix will be included with the mandatory automatic updates coming your way with the June Patch Tuesday updates.
However, if you want a noticeably snappier PC today, grab the update and enjoy the speed!