Windows 11 apps now launch faster, especially on older, slower PCs
Windows 11 apps should launch more quickly starting today, especially if you’re on weaker hardware. That’s thanks to Microsoft expanding the Low Latency Profile feature as part of August’s Patch Tuesday update, alongside several other small but practical features.
According to Windows Latest, who tested app launch times before and after installing the August Patch Tuesday update, all apps are now quicker to open when you click on them. Low Latency Profile works by boosting the CPU clock speed to max while the app is loading, then returns back to normal clock speed afterwards.
This technique is actually quite common, with Apple having been doing this on macOS for some time and Linux also making use of this method to improve system responsiveness.
Although Microsoft previously rolled out Low Latency Profile to all Windows 11 users back in June, it only applied to Windows Shell elements like the Start menu, Windows Search, Notification Center, and other similar pop-up windows—app launches weren’t part of it. With today’s update, the short-term CPU boost also affects app launches.
In practical terms, what this means is that you can now open apps in a fraction of the time it once took. Maybe that only amounts to a few seconds saved per app launch, but it makes the overall Windows 11 experience feel significantly faster, and those seconds eventually add up.
You should especially notice the speed boost on older PCs or systems with underpowered hardware; on machines that are already quite powerful, you may not notice any difference at all.
Check if Low Latency Profile is active
Even with the update installed, Low Latency Profile may not be active yet—Microsoft is doing a gradual rollout to all users. And even once it’s on your PC, there’s no indicator in Windows to show that you have it. While Windows Task Manager shows CPU performance, it reacts too slowly to accurately show CPU spikes caused by Low Latency Profile.
What you can do instead is use the free HWiNFO tool to see your CPU performance in real time. Launch HWiNFO, select “Full mode,” then click “Start.” Position the HWiNFO sensor window so that you can always see it, then use it to monitor your CPU as you carry out actions that are accelerated by Low Latency Profile (e.g., launch an app).
HWiNFO should show the CPU clock speed rising to its maximum value as soon as the action is initiated, and it should then drop the clock speed back down after three seconds at the latest. If you see this happen, then Low Latency Profile is active on your computer.
But if HWiNFO only shows a slight increase in CPU clock speed, then Low Latency Profile isn’t active yet. In this case, you’ll either have to wait for Microsoft to roll it out to your device, or use the free ViVeTool app to unlock it (also works with other hidden Windows features).
By the way: If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you’re missing out on the many benefits of Windows 11 Pro. To learn more, see our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, snag it for cheap in the PCWorld Software Store: now just $59 instead of $99.
