Microsoft is testing a Windows 11 feature called a low-latency profile that briefly raises the CPU to its maximum available clock frequency when a user launches an app or opens system UI such as the Start menu. [1, 2, 3]
The company says the goal is to cut app launch time and improve the responsiveness of the Start menu and other system interactions. Reports say the boost lasts only about 1 to 3 seconds and applies across processor types, including x86/AMD64 and ARM64 chips. [1, 2, 3]
Scott Hanselman defended the approach on social media, saying, "This isn't cheating." He also said similar CPU-boost behavior is already used by other modern operating systems, and added in Chinese, "苹果这么做了，大家却爱不释手。请让 Windows 放手一搏吧。" [1, 2, 3]
The feature is described as part of Microsoft's broader Windows K2 performance-improvement effort. One report says Microsoft expects the brief frequency boost to have little impact on battery life and thermals, while critics in the reports say it is only a temporary fix and does not address the root causes of Windows 11 performance complaints. [1, 2, 3]
Reports also describe the feature as capable of delivering up to 70% faster interface response and up to 40% faster app launches, though that figure is disputed by critics who say the gains are limited in real-world use. [2, 3]
Microsoft is still testing the low-latency profile in 2026-05, with Hanselman's comments coming recently as the company weighs wider rollout. [1, 2, 3]
