Microsoft aims to boost Windows 11 with “LLP” CPU burst mode
Microsoft’s newest Windows 11 performance should make the OS feel much snappier
Microsoft is reportedly working on a new performance feature for Windows 11 that should dramatically speed up certain tasks. According to Windows Central, Microsoft’s new “Low Latency Profile” (LLP) for Windows 11 will crank up CPU frequencies for short periods to make the OS feel snappier and more responsive. With a 1-3 second boost, applications will load faster, and certain common OS tasks will be completed much faster.
With LLP, launch times for Outlook and Edge will be “up to 40% faster” on Windows 11. For interfaces like the Start Menu and context menus, boosts of “up to 70%” are possible. The feature will also reportedly boost the launch speeds of 3rd party apps. This feature should make Windows 11 feel much faster and snappier, and all it costs is a few seconds of boosted CPU clock speeds.
Microsoft’s LLP feature is part of Windows 11’s “K2” program. This program aims to boost the performance and responsiveness of Windows 11. This will be achieved using software improvements, optimised code, and better hardware utilisation. LLP is reportedly still in “early testing” and may be changed before it is publicly revealed.
Microsoft is working on a special performance boost feature for Windows 11 that is designed to increase the responsiveness of the OS when initiating certain common tasks. According to sources familiar with these plans, this new performance boost feature is called the “Low Latency Profile” and will ramp up the CPU frequency in short bursts when opening apps, system flyouts, and context menus.
– Windows Central
LLP should have a larger impact on Windows 11 laptops and low-powered desktops
If your PC is set to run at its maximum CPU clock speed at all times, Windows 11’s LLP feature is unlikely to improve your OS’s performance. That said, most Windows 11 users use laptops or mainstream desktop systems. These users will see the greatest benefit from a momentary boost in CPU clock speeds.
Due to the short-term duration of the CPU boosts enabled by Microsoft’s Low Latency Profile, it has a minimal impact on CPU thermals and laptop battery life. Regardless, it will help make the OS feel faster by reducing application launch times. This change should be invisible to users and simply enable itself in the background when necessary. A momentary boost in performance when its impact will be felt the most.
In a sense, this CPU boost feature is similar to what Nintendo delivered for its original Switch console in 2019. With firmware update 8.0.0 for the original Switch, Nintendo enabled an overclocked CPU mode that boosted the console’s CPU clock speed from 1.020 GHz to 1.75 GHz. This boost mode can be enabled in games during loading screens to reduce loading times. For Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, this reduced loading times from 16.76 seconds to 11.31 seconds. Windows 11’s Low Latency Profile delivers similar benefits for certain tasks.
LLP is a clever hardware trick. It should make Windows 11 feel much snappier without dramatically impacting overall PC thermals, power draw, or battery life. It’s a simple change that could have a huge impact. When implemented, this change will be a major win for Microsoft, as regular users should be able to feel/notice the difference.
You can join the discussion on Microsoft’s LLP upgrade on the OC3D Forums.
