Windows 11 KB5089573 is the update Windows users have been waiting years for. Released on May 26, 2026, this optional preview update doesn’t just patch security holes or add AI features nobody asked for — it actually makes your PC feel noticeably faster. And that’s a big deal.
If your Start menu has always felt a little sluggish, or apps seem to take just a half-second too long to open, this update is specifically designed to fix that. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Windows 11 KB5089573 Update?
KB5089573 is an optional cumulative preview update released by Microsoft for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. It brings OS builds 26100.8524 (for 24H2) and 26200.8524 (for 25H2).
Unlike most updates that focus on security patches or new features, this one has a specific, headline goal: make Windows 11 feel faster and more responsive. It’s the first OS update released under Microsoft’s internal Windows K2 initiative — a focused effort to address the most common criticisms about Windows 11’s performance and deliver real, foundational improvements.
In Microsoft’s own words, the update “accelerates app launch and core shell experiences such as Start menu, Search, and Action Center.”
The Main Feature: Low Latency Profile
The star of this update is a new feature called the Low Latency Profile.
Here’s how it works: whenever you initiate a high-priority task — opening an app, clicking the Start menu, pulling up the Action Center — Windows 11 instantly maxes out your CPU frequency for a short burst, typically between one and three seconds. Once that task is done, the CPU steps back down to normal.
Think of it like a car’s turbo boost. You don’t drive with the turbo on all the time, but when you need to accelerate quickly, it kicks in immediately. That brief surge of processing power is what makes the system feel snappier without permanently increasing power consumption.
This approach is similar to how macOS handles quick interactions, which is partly why some in the tech community have dubbed it a “macOS-like CPU boost trick.”
What Gets Faster?
The Low Latency Profile specifically targets:
- App launches — programs open noticeably quicker
- Start menu — opens faster with less visual lag
- Windows Search — results appear more immediately
- Action Center — notifications and quick settings pop up faster
- Task Manager — loads and displays processes faster than before
- Right-click menus and flyouts — respond with less hesitation
According to benchmarks by Windows Central, this results in app launches up to 40% faster and core shell experiences (like the Start menu) up to 70% quicker. Those are significant numbers for a single update.
What Else Does KB5089573 Include?
Beyond the headline performance improvements, the update is packed with other useful changes.
New Features
- Shared Audio support — you can now stream audio to two Bluetooth headphones simultaneously from a single Windows 11 PC
- Multi-camera support — multiple apps can share a single physical camera at the same time
- NPU visibility in Task Manager — you can now monitor your Neural Processing Unit (NPU) usage directly in Task Manager, helpful for AI-powered workloads
- Device naming during setup — you can name your device during the initial Windows 11 setup experience, rather than having to do it afterward
- Camera app improvements — various updates to the built-in Camera app
Reliability Fixes
- Windows Hello — biometric sign-in is now more reliable with fewer failures during enhanced security checks
- Sign-in screen — reliability improvements to reduce authentication issues
- File Explorer — stability fixes to reduce crashes and unexpected behavior
- Modern Standby resume — improved behavior when waking from sleep mode
- Theme switching and input handling — smoother transitions and fewer glitches
Bug Fixes
- Task Manager no longer shows incorrect CPU speed figures after waking from hibernation on virtual machines
- Various touch gesture improvements on touchscreen devices
Is KB5089573 a Mandatory Update?
No. This is an optional preview update, not a mandatory Patch Tuesday security release.
That means it will not download or install automatically. You have to go and get it yourself. The full rollout to all Windows 11 users is currently expected with Patch Tuesday in June 2026.
How to Install the KB5089573 Update
Installing it is straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Click the Start menu and open Settings
- Navigate to Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Look for the section labeled “Optional updates available”
- Select KB5089573 and click Download & install
- Restart your PC when prompted
The update will be listed as: “2026-05 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5089573)”
Once installed, the Low Latency Profile is active by default — no settings to toggle, no configuration required.
Note: This update is only available for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. If you’re on version 23H2 or older, you won’t receive the Low Latency Profile. Microsoft has not announced plans to backport it to older versions.
Will You Notice a Difference Immediately?
Maybe — but not necessarily right away.
Microsoft is rolling out the performance improvements gradually, in waves. This means some users will see the full benefit immediately after installing, while others may need to wait a few weeks before the improvements fully activate on their system.
If you install the update and your PC doesn’t feel any different at first, don’t uninstall it. The feature is being pushed out incrementally, and performance gains should become more noticeable over the following weeks.
Also worth noting: results depend on your hardware. Older laptops with slower CPUs or thermally constrained mini-PCs stand to benefit the most from the Low Latency Profile. High-end desktop systems may see a smaller perceived difference, since they’re already fast.
What Is the Windows K2 Initiative?
KB5089573 is the first publicly released update under Windows K2 — Microsoft’s internal program dedicated to improving Windows 11’s foundational performance.
For years, one of the most consistent criticisms of Windows 11 was that it felt slower than Windows 10, even on identical hardware. The interface looked polished but often felt sluggish. The Start menu was a recurring example — slower than its predecessor, with unnecessary animations and delays.
Windows K2 represents Microsoft officially acknowledging that problem and committing to fix it at the OS level. KB5089573 is just the beginning. More performance-focused updates are expected to follow throughout 2026.
Performance Numbers: What the Benchmarks Say
Windows Central conducted real-world benchmark testing of the Low Latency Profile before and after the update. Here’s a summary of their findings:
| Task | Improvement |
|---|---|
| App launches | Up to 40% faster |
| Start menu open | Up to 70% faster |
| Search | Noticeably faster response |
| Action Center | Significantly reduced delay |
| Task Manager | Opens near-instantly |
These aren’t synthetic benchmark scores — they’re measurements of the actual interactions users perform dozens or hundreds of times per day. Even a 40% improvement in app launch speed is something most people will feel rather than just see in a chart.
Should You Install It Right Now?
For most everyday users: yes, go ahead.
The update is an optional preview, which means it hasn’t gone through the full mandatory rollout process yet. But Microsoft has been testing it in preview channels for weeks, and the general consensus from early testers is that it’s stable and delivers real improvements.
If you’re on a managed enterprise system, it’s reasonable to wait for the June Patch Tuesday rollout before deploying it across your fleet. Enterprise IT teams typically prefer to let optional previews mature before pushing them broadly.
For home users and enthusiasts: install it, restart your PC, and enjoy what a snappy Start menu feels like.
FAQ: Windows 11 KB5089573 Update
What is the KB5089573 update for Windows 11?
It’s an optional preview update released on May 26, 2026 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Its main feature is a Low Latency Profile that makes app launches, the Start menu, Search, and Action Center noticeably faster.
How do I install KB5089573?
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Find KB5089573 under “Optional updates available” and click Download & install. Restart your PC when asked.
Does the Low Latency Profile drain my battery faster?
No. The CPU only boosts for a maximum of one to three seconds during specific high-priority interactions. Microsoft says the feature is designed to deliver performance gains without compromising battery life on laptops and portable devices.
Why don’t I feel a difference after installing the update?
Microsoft is rolling out the performance improvements gradually. You may need to wait a few weeks after installing the update before the Low Latency Profile becomes fully active on your system.
Which versions of Windows 11 support this update?
KB5089573 is available for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 only. Versions 23H2 and older do not support the Low Latency Profile feature.
Is this update safe to install?
Yes. It’s an optional preview update that Microsoft has tested extensively in preview channels before releasing to the public. It’s stable for everyday use, though enterprise environments may prefer to wait for the mandatory June rollout.
Does this update help with gaming performance?
The Low Latency Profile primarily targets OS shell interactions like app launches and the Start menu. Gamers may notice games open faster, but in-game frame rates depend on other factors. The reduced input lag and smoother multitasking may have indirect benefits for gaming.
What is Windows K2?
Windows K2 is Microsoft’s internal initiative to address performance criticisms of Windows 11 and deliver foundational OS improvements. KB5089573 is the first public update released as part of this effort.
Final Thoughts
KB5089573 is exactly what Windows 11 needed. Not another AI feature. Not a new coat of paint. Just the OS responding faster when you click things.
The Low Latency Profile is a smart, targeted solution to a real and frustrating problem. It doesn’t require new hardware. It doesn’t change how anything looks. It just makes your PC feel the way it should have felt from the start.
Install it, restart, and you might find yourself wondering why this took so long. Then enjoy it anyway.
