Microsoft defends Windows 11 Low Latency Profile after backlash, noting other operating systems use similar CPU boosts

At a glance:

• Microsoft's new "Low Latency Profile" for Windows 11 boosts CPU speeds to reduce app launch times.
• The feature has faced community backlash, with critics calling it a superficial fix for underlying performance issues.
• Microsoft defends the feature, noting that similar CPU boosting is standard in other modern operating systems.

What happened

Last week, Microsoft's plans for a new "Low Latency Profile" (LLP) in Windows 11 were leaked by Windows Central. This feature, when enabled, increases CPU clock speeds momentarily to improve app opening times. The announcement was met with widespread backlash from the community, who criticized Microsoft for applying what they see as a Band-Aid solution rather than addressing the underlying performance issues in Windows 11. Critics argue that the OS has been sluggish for years, and users have long complained about reliability and navigation performance. Even former Windows developers have called out the underwhelming performance of the latest version.

Microsoft's defense

In response to the backlash, Microsoft has stood firmly by its decision. Senior developer and VP Scott Hanselman took to social media to address concerns, comparing Windows 11 to other operating systems and emphasizing that the boosting functionality is not new. He highlighted that every modern OS, including Linux and even smartphones, already implements similar techniques. Hanselman stated, "this isn't cheating" and explained that such a solution works in tandem with optimizing apps and code. He also pointed out that smartphones constantly use dynamic frequency scaling: every touch wakes cores, boosts clocks, renders a frame, and then drops back to idle milliseconds later. This, he argued, is standard in modern computer science.

How it works

The Low Latency Profile is part of Microsoft's broader "Windows K2" efforts to make Windows 11 smoother, more stable, and more efficient. LLP works by boosting CPU frequencies for a quick assist in moments like flyout delays for the Start Menu. When a user interacts with the OS, the CPU usage and clocks spike for a fraction of a second to ensure the system feels fast and responsive. This requires aggressive clock parking, meaning the CPU's cores are prepared to shift into gear the moment they are needed. For mobile devices, such as laptops or handhelds, this approach can be more power-efficient than keeping cores at a minimum for longer periods, as it allows the system to quickly return to a low-power state after a brief burst at max speeds.

Broader context

The introduction of the Low Latency Profile comes amid Microsoft's push to improve Windows 11 performance after years of complaints about sluggishness. The company has been focusing on making the OS more responsive and efficient. However, critics argue that Microsoft should optimize the operating system at a deeper level before applying superficial patches. There are also concerns about the amount of bloatware in a stock copy of Windows 11, which may contribute to performance issues. In fact, Microsoft has created an Xbox Mode to allow games to bypass the bloat and run better. This suggests that the company is aware of the performance problems but is taking a piecemeal approach rather than a comprehensive overhaul.

Community reaction

Despite Microsoft's explanations, the community continues to express skepticism. Many are questioning why Microsoft waited until Windows 11 was in an "intolerable state" to implement such a solution. Some see this as a sign that the company's AI strategy, which it has been pushing for years, is not delivering the expected improvements. Even with a new CEO from Microsoft's AI department, Xbox has been making community-first changes, which some interpret as a shift away from relying solely on AI. The ongoing criticism highlights the need for Microsoft to address the root causes of Windows 11's performance issues and to restore user confidence in the operating system.