Summary
- Low Latency Profile is a Windows feature that speeds up core Windows elements by maxing out the CPU briefly.
- The feature brings substantial performance improvements and should have minimal impact on battery life.
- It’s rolling out now via optional update KB5089573 — it runs in the background and should be on by default.
Microsoft appears to finally be taking Windows performance seriously — the Windows Low Latency Profile began rolling out to Windows 11 users as part of an optional update on May 26. If you’re not familiar with the feature, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with a quick explainer.
I finally disabled these Windows services and my PC is happier for it
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What is the Low Latency Profile?
Speeding up everyday interactions
If you’re like me, when you read “Low Latency Profile,” you think of Windows’ power profiles (high performance, balanced, etc.). That’s actually not what the feature is, though — instead, Low Latency Profile runs in the background at all times, speeding up the performance of core Windows elements like the Start Menu and Microsoft Edge.
How it works
Low Latency Profile essentially works by ramping up responsiveness when you launch an app or interact with a UI element. For example, when you open the Start Menu, it spikes your CPU frequency for 1–3 seconds, speeding up the interaction and making everything feel snappier. Battery impact should be minimal — although it cranks up the clock speed, actions finish faster, so the total time the CPU is working is reduced.
For now, the feature only affects built-in Windows tools and Windows elements like the Start Menu, Search, and the Notification Center. In the future, though, it should work with third-party apps, as well.
Fixing one of Windows’ biggest problems
Performance has become a major frustration
The Low Latency Profile is kind of a big deal. Microsoft is essentially admitting that Windows has a performance problem — but in this case, they’re actually working to fix it.
Of course, not everyone is happy. Some Windows fans have called out the Low Latency Profile as a “lazy” or “cheating” solution that only masks the underlying issue. In response, Scott Hanselman, VP at Microsoft, hopped on X to explain that “all modern operating systems do this.” He also rightly points out that “Apple does this and y’all love it.” Other users generally agree with Hanselman, but would still like to see improvements to the underlying code:
Low Latency Profile isn’t the full story, either — Microsoft is slowly working to rebuild much of Windows’ core to be faster and better-optimized (this project is called K2). In combination with the Low Latency Profile, the results should be a much better day-to-day experience and fewer small frustrations.
How to get Windows’ Low Latency Profile
The Low Latency Profile is rolling out now as part of a Windows optional update. To get to it, head to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates. The update containing the Low Latency Profile feature is KB5089573. The feature should be turned on by default.