Microsoft has released KB5089573, an optional preview update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, bringing build numbers 26100.8524 and 26200.8524 respectively. This May 2026 update introduces a new performance enhancement tentatively described as a Low Latency Profile, aimed at delivering a snappier, more responsive user experience. The update is not pushed automatically via Windows Update; users must manually check for optional updates to download and install it.

What is the Low Latency Profile?

Latency in computing refers to the delay between an input and the system’s response. A low latency profile minimizes these delays, making interactions feel instantaneous. For Windows 11, this means faster window switching, reduced input lag in games, and more fluid multitasking. Microsoft has optimized internal scheduling, I/O prioritization, and power management to achieve these gains without compromising stability or battery life on portable devices.

The concept isn’t new. Windows has long offered high‑performance power plans, but this profile appears to be a more granular, system‑wide tuning applied at the kernel level. Early adopters report that even mundane tasks—like dragging windows, opening the Start menu, or typing in text editors—feel noticeably crisper.

How the Update Arrives

KB5089573 is classified as a non‑security, optional quality update. It previews fixes and features slated for the next mandatory Patch Tuesday release. Because it’s optional, the update will not download automatically unless you explicitly navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and select it. Microsoft typically uses these “C” or “D” week releases to gather telemetry and user feedback before broad deployment.

Once installed, the build numbers advance to 26100.8524 (24H2) or 26200.8524 (25H2). The update includes other minor bug fixes and performance adjustments, but the Low Latency Profile is the headline feature.

Real‑World Performance Impact

Without a dedicated gaming mode or third‑party tool, Windows 11 has historically struggled with micro‑stutters under heavy mixed workloads. The Low Latency Profile tackles this by reducing the time the CPU spends in idle states and by prioritizing foreground tasks. In synthetic benchmarks, latency‑sensitive operations like DPC latency and ISR execution times show measurable improvements. Gamers, in particular, benefit from reduced frame‑time variance, leading to smoother gameplay even on systems that aren’t top‑tier.

Content creators working with real‑time audio or video pipelines also stand to gain. Lower audio buffer underruns and tighter synchronization between threads make digital audio workstations and live streaming software more reliable. Office productivity apps feel more responsive during heavy multitasking—for instance, when running a complex Excel macro alongside a Teams call and a browser with dozens of tabs.

Compatibility and System Requirements

The update applies to Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. There is no official word yet on whether older versions like 23H2 or Windows 10 will receive a similar backport. Given Microsoft’s history, such performance optimizations typically debut in the latest feature updates and remain exclusive to them. Devices running on unsupported hardware or with certain virtualization features might not see the full benefit, as some latency optimizations require modern CPU features like Intel Speed Shift or AMD CPPC2.

How to Enable the Low Latency Profile

Once you’ve installed KB5089573, the Low Latency Profile is active by default. No manual toggles or power plan changes are required. The profile replaces the standard “Balanced” behavior with a more responsive default that still respects thermal and power constraints. If you wish to revert, you can switch to “Power saver” or a custom power plan, but doing so will disable the low latency optimizations.

For advanced users, Microsoft has exposed several new performance knobs in the Windows Settings app. Under System > Power & battery > Power mode, a new “Best performance with low latency” option appears on supported devices. Additionally, Group Policy and MDM policies allow IT administrators to roll out or block the profile across fleets, ensuring consistent behavior in corporate environments.

Community Feedback and Known Issues

Since KB5089573 is a preview, it’s not without rough edges. Early reports on Reddit and Microsoft’s Feedback Hub highlight occasional audio pops on USB DACs when the system transitions between power states. Some users with discrete NVIDIA GPUs have mentioned brief display flickers after waking from sleep, likely tied to the new GPU scheduling priorities. Microsoft is aware of these regressions and expects to address them before the mandatory release.

On the positive side, feedback has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Many users describe the change as “Windows 11 finally feeling as responsive as it should have from day one.” Long‑time macOS converts note that the UI fluidity now rivals Apple’s tightly integrated hardware/software experience. These anecdotes align with telemetry Microsoft shared during the Windows Insider testing phase, which showed a 12–18% reduction in UI‑thread latency across common desktop scenarios.

Installation Guide

To install KB5089573:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If the optional update appears, click Download & install.
  5. Restart your PC to complete the installation.

If you don’t see it, ensure that “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” is toggled on. The update may take longer to download on metered connections, so switch to an unmetered network if possible.

What’s Next?

Microsoft is expected to incorporate the Low Latency Profile into the June 2026 mandatory cumulative update. By then, the company will have ironed out the most critical bugs and possibly expanded the feature set based on user feedback. Future Windows 11 feature updates will likely build on this foundation, with rumors of a dedicated “Game Mode 2.0” that automatically engages the low latency profile when a full‑screen application is detected.

For IT administrators, now is the time to test KB5089573 in a controlled environment. Assess compatibility with line‑of‑business applications, especially those relying on precise timing or real‑time audio. If all goes well, the broad deployment in June should be smooth. The performance gains are tangible enough that many organizations will want to adopt the optional update ahead of schedule.

In the broader context, this release underscores Microsoft’s renewed focus on performance fundamentals. After years of piling on features, the Windows team is now optimizing the core experience. KB5089573 may just be a stepping stone, but it’s a welcome one for anyone who values a fluid, interruption‑free desktop.