New Windows 11 update brings major speed boost to your PC

Codenamed KB5089573, the new software is available as an optional operating system update today.

While never-before-seen features and top-to-bottom redesigns usually claim the headlines, Microsoft has been working with beta testers for weeks to ensure its latest software update improves day-to-day performance on existing hardware. The timing couldn't be better.

A global shortage of components caused by the massive expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres has caused prices of chipsets and RAM to skyrocket. Microsoft itself is feeling the brunt of it, increasing the prices of its Surface laptops in the US. But it's far from alone, with Sony recently raising the prices of its PlayStation 5 consoles by £90, and the founder of British start-up Nothing confirming that phone prices will rise this year.

If you were thinking about adding more RAM to your current Windows 11 machine to bolster performance, that's no longer an affordable tweak.

According to some reports, applications will launch up to 40% faster when running the KB5089573 update. However, you'll need to be patient to see the biggest improvements. That's because Microsoft says the performance gains will become enabled in waves worldwide.

"This update is available through two release phases: gradual rollout and normal rollout. A gradual rollout delivers an update in phases, so features reach devices over time instead of all at once, meaning availability varies by device," the Redmond-based company explains.

Clicking the Start Menu, system-wide Search and Action Centre menus — something most PC owners will do multiple times an hour — can be up to 70% speedier, making the entire system feel snappier.

Outside of these fundamental nuts-and-bolts improvements, the new operating system adds the ability to share Bluetooth audio with two devices simultaneously, which promises to make watching a movie or TV show with two people on the same laptop a much better experience. You can also name your Windows 11 machine during setup.

The KB5089573 update is now available, but Windows 11 won't download and install this one automatically. You need to head to Windows Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional Updates and select KB5089573 to install the new software.

Microsoft states: "This update accelerates app launch and core shell experiences such as Start menu, Search, and Action Center."

"This update includes underlying changes that improve download performance and bandwidth usage," it adds.