(Credit: PCMag)
Microsoft is testing a new "Low Latency Profile" feature with some Windows Insiders that could dramatically improve Windows 11's responsiveness.
As Windows Central reports, the feature maxes out the CPU frequency in a short 1- to 3-second burst when the user performs a significant input, such as starting an application or opening the Start menu. This can reportedly lead to some apps opening up to 40% faster.
Traditionally, the Windows scheduler ramps up CPU performance as required, but other operating systems have used a more burst-like behavior in response to user input for some time. Android uses the Dynamic Performance Framework, while macOS, iOS, and iPadOS all use Apple's QualityOfService class to prioritize user input. The Low Latency Profile appears to be an attempt to emulate this in Windows.
Windows Central notes a potential 40% speed boost for apps like Edge and Outlook and 70% improvement for select menus. Third-party apps should also benefit, almost eliminating microstutters that can interrupt workflows and detract from the overall experience.
To see how effective this new technique could be, Windows Latest created a deliberately underperforming virtualized Windows 11 install on an Intel 13th Gen i5-13420H, limited to 2 cores and 4GB of RAM. They tested running the operating system and a number of native apps and noted sluggish response times to interactions. They then enabled the feature on their Insider build using a technique from X user Phantomofearth.
The effect was immediate and notable. Apps loaded faster—almost instantly in many cases—and the Start menu felt far more snappy and responsive. The feature could be seen playing out in Task Manager, too. When opening an app, the CPU would spike to 96% before dropping back to more pedestrian 17% usage after a couple of seconds.
As Microsoft continues to work to speed up Windows, the Low Latency Profile feature could go a long way toward improving the OS. It could be especially important for low-cost laptops and desktops designed to compete with alternatives like the popular MacBook Neo.
When can the rest of us use it? The feature will need to move through the Microsoft Windows Insider pipeline before general release, but if it proves positive, we should get our hands on it in a future update in the not-too-distant future.