Microsoft exec defends new Windows 11 speed boost

Microsoft is testing a new 'Low Latency Profile' feature designed to give Windows 11 a macOS-like speed boost, prompting a company executive, Scott Hanselman, to defend the practice against online critics.

According to The Verge, Microsoft is trialling a feature that ramps up CPU frequency in short bursts to make app launches and system menus feel more responsive.

The unannounced 'Low Latency Profile', being tested by Windows Insiders, has shown significant improvements. Some of Microsoft's own apps are reportedly launching up to 40% faster, with system elements like the Start menu seeing gains of up to 70%.

While the results appear promising, some online commentators have criticised Microsoft for using CPU bursts to improve its operating system, drawing a response from a top executive.

Scott Hanselman, a vice president on the technical staff for CoreAI, GitHub, and Windows, took to social media platform X to defend the changes over the weekend.

He pointed out that the technique is a common practice used by macOS and Linux, noting that "your smartphone already does this" and that Microsoft is not cheating by boosting CPU clocks temporarily.

Hanselman directly addressed the comparisons to Microsoft's biggest rival.

"Apple does this and y'all love it," he stated in a post.

He ended his defence of the new feature with a simple plea to critics: "Let Windows cook."

This initiative is part of a wider effort codenamed "Windows K2", focused on enhancing the overall performance of the operating system.

The feature reportedly works by ramping up the CPU to its maximum frequency for just one to three seconds when a user starts a high-priority task like opening an application.

Pavan Davuluri, the President of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, has stated the company is concentrating on three key areas: performance, reliability, and well-crafted experiences.

This wider push for performance also includes other recent updates, such as the introduction of "hot-patching" for some editions of **Windows 11**.

The technology allows for monthly security updates to be applied without requiring a system restart, which significantly reduces interruptions and downtime for users.

The company has also started removing what it deems "unnecessary" Copilot buttons and has made moves to make Windows Update a lot less annoying.