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For years, one of the biggest complaints about Windows 11 has been that it often feels slower than it should, even on relatively modern hardware. While benchmark scores may look fine, many users notice delays when opening apps, switching windows, launching the Start menu, or interacting with system controls.
Now Microsoft says it is finally addressing those complaints.
The newly released KB5089573Â preview update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 introduces a series of performance-focused improvements as part of Microsoft’s broader “Windows K2” initiative, an effort aimed at making Windows feel faster, more responsive, and more reliable in everyday use.
What Is KB5089573?
KB5089573 is an optional preview update for Windows 11 that brings both new features and underlying performance enhancements and was released on May 26, 2026. According to Microsoft, the update accelerates application launches and improves responsiveness across several core Windows components, including:
- Start Menu
- Windows Search
- Action Center
- File Explorer
- Sign-in and Lock Screen
- Touch interactions
- Theme switching in Settings
The update also introduces several smaller improvements, including Bluetooth audio sharing, Task Manager enhancements, battery optimizations, and reliability fixes for Windows Hello authentication.
While many Windows updates focus primarily on security patches, KB5089573 is notable for making performance one of its main goals.
Why Microsoft Says Windows 11 Feels Faster
The biggest change appears to be a new internal optimization referred to as the Low Latency Profile. Rather than increasing overall CPU performance, the feature focuses on reducing delays during short bursts of user activity.
When Windows detects an interactive task, such as:
- Opening the Start menu
- Launching an application
- Using Search
- Opening system flyouts
- Switching between common UI elements
The operating system can temporarily boost CPU frequency, allowing Windows to complete those actions more quickly.
According to testing reported by Windows Central, the feature can make certain system interactions appear up to 70% faster, while application launches may improve by up to 40% under specific conditions. In practice, this doesn’t mean your processor suddenly becomes more powerful. Instead, Windows is becoming more aggressive about prioritizing the tasks users actually notice.
The result is a PC that feels more responsive, even if raw benchmark numbers remain largely unchanged. Microsoft says these improvements will roll out gradually after installation, so users may not see the full performance benefits immediately.
How to Download and Install KB5089573
Windows 11 KB5089573 is currently available as an optional preview update for eligible Windows 11 devices. To install it:
Settings(Win+I) > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates >2026-05 Preview Update (KB5089573) > Download & install.
After the installation is complete, restart your PC when prompted. Microsoft notes that some of the new performance optimizations may be enabled gradually, so you may not notice all improvements immediately after rebooting.
Users who prefer manual installation can also download the standalone KB5089573 package from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it offline.
You may be interested: Windows 11 Updates Are Underway Stuck
Which PCs Will Benefit Most from KB5089573?
Not every computer will experience the same level of improvement. Systems that are already equipped with high-end processors, fast NVMe SSDs, and large amounts of RAM may only notice subtle differences because they already respond quickly.
Older or lower-powered systems, however, could benefit much more. The biggest gains are likely to appear on budget laptops, aging Windows 11 devices, PCs with older CPUs, systems with limited memory, and devices where Start menu and Search responsiveness currently feel sluggish. These are the types of machines where even small delays become noticeable during everyday tasks.
For users who frequently complain that Windows 11 feels “heavier” than Windows 10, KB5089573 may provide the kind of responsiveness improvements they have been waiting for.
What Users Can Expect in Real-World Use
Most people won’t run benchmarks after installing KB5089573. Instead, they’ll judge the update based on how their computer feels during normal use.
The improvements are expected to be most noticeable when:
- Opening Applications: Apps may launch more quickly, especially programs that are opened frequently throughout the day.
- Using the Start Menu: One of the most criticized parts of Windows 11 has been occasional delays when opening the Start menu. Microsoft specifically mentions improvements to core shell experiences, suggesting this area received significant attention.
- Searching for Files and Apps: Windows Search should respond faster, reducing the lag some users experience when typing search queries.
- Navigating File Explorer: File Explorer reliability and responsiveness have also been improved, helping one of Windows’ most heavily used tools feel smoother.
- Touchscreen Interactions: Users with tablets, 2-in-1 devices, and touchscreen laptops may notice better gesture responsiveness.
In short, the update focuses less on headline-grabbing features and more on the small interactions users perform hundreds of times every day.
Is KB5089573 Enough to Fix a Slow Computer?
The answer is probably not. While KB5089573 can improve responsiveness, it does not solve every performance issue.
If your PC is slow because of an aging hard drive, a nearly full SSD, insufficient RAM, excessive startup programs, or background software consuming resources, this update will not magically eliminate those bottlenecks.
Think of KB5089573 as an operating system optimization rather than a hardware upgrade. For example, a computer running Windows 11 on an old mechanical HDD will still feel significantly slower than a similar system equipped with a modern SSD. Likewise, systems struggling with low storage space or heavy startup loads may still experience delays regardless of Microsoft’s new CPU scheduling improvements.
The update can make Windows feel snappier, but it cannot replace the benefits of faster hardware or proper system maintenance.
Final Thoughts
KB5089573 represents one of Microsoft’s most interesting Windows 11 updates in recent memory. Instead of focusing on AI features or visual redesigns, Microsoft is addressing a complaint that users have raised for years: Windows should feel faster.
Early reports suggest the new Low Latency Profile technology can noticeably improve responsiveness during everyday tasks such as launching apps, opening menus, and interacting with the operating system.
Will it transform every Windows 11 PC? No. But for users who have long felt that Windows 11 sometimes reacts a little slower than it should, KB5089573 may be a step in the right direction.
And perhaps more importantly, it signals that Microsoft is finally putting performance and user experience back at the center of Windows development.
Quick Facts
- Update: KB5089573
- Release Date: May 26, 2026
- Available For: Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2
- Type: Optional Preview Update
- Key Feature: Low Latency Profile performance optimization
- Expected Benefits: Faster app launches, quicker Start menu response, improved Search and File Explorer performance
- Availability: Rolling out gradually through Windows Update
FAQs
Is KB5089573 a Security Update?
No, KB5089573 is primarily an optional preview update that focuses on new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Unlike Patch Tuesday security releases, preview updates are intended to let users test upcoming changes before they become part of a future cumulative update. If you prefer maximum stability, you may choose to wait until Microsoft includes these improvements in a regular monthly update.
Will KB5089573 Improve Gaming Performance?
Probably not significantly.
The update is mainly designed to improve Windows responsiveness rather than increase frame rates in games. While some users may notice slightly faster game launches or reduced system lag when multitasking, KB5089573 is not marketed as a gaming performance update. Factors such as your CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage drive still have a much larger impact on gaming performance.
Why Does My Windows 11 PC Still Feel Slow After Installing KB5089573?
The update can improve responsiveness, but it cannot solve hardware limitations.
If your PC is using an older hard drive, has limited RAM, low available storage space, or too many startup applications, you may continue to experience slowdowns. In many cases, upgrading from an HDD to an SSD or cleaning up unnecessary background processes will provide a much larger performance improvement than a software update alone.
