System flyouts appear up to 70% faster and app launches are 40% quicker after installing Windows 11's KB5089573 update, the first release tied to Microsoft's internal Windows K2 performance initiative. The optional May preview update, available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, pushes systems to builds 26200.8524 and 26100.8524. But the build numbers are less interesting than what's underneath: a new Low Latency Profile that increases CPU frequency in extremely short bursts to accelerate UI interactions.
Windows Central's testing confirmed the performance gains, with system flyouts speeding up by 70% and app launches by 40%. Microsoft's changelog describes the update as one that "accelerates app launch and core shell experiences such as Start menu, Search, and Action Center." The K2 initiative marks a shift in Microsoft's approach. After years of criticism that Windows 11 felt sluggish compared to its predecessor, the company acknowledged user frustrations and launched K2 specifically to address foundational OS performance rather than piling on new features.
KB5089573 is the first major update to deliver on that promise. The performance improvements won't hit everyone at once. Microsoft is rolling out the Low Latency Profile features gradually, meaning the speed gains may take several weeks to activate on individual systems after installation.
Beyond raw speed, the update packs 30 changes spanning reliability and quality-of-life fixes. Windows Hello face and fingerprint authentication now stays as the default sign-in method even if users previously chose another option.
If someone enters their PIN three times in a row, the system sticks with PIN until they manually switch back.
Bluetooth audio sharing arrives, letting two people listen to the same audio from a single PC simultaneously using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology. Windows Setup now lets users choose a custom user folder name directly from the Device Name page, eliminating a long-standing setup annoyance. On the hardware side, displays connected through USB4 docks and hubs should turn on more reliably after waking from standby. Microsoft improved the USB3 stack's recovery against unexpected hardware faults and added power handling fixes to prevent apps from draining the battery by keeping the sensor hub active during standby.
Secure Boot certificate rollout gets better targeting data, helping more eligible devices automatically receive updated certificates set to replace the originals from 2011, which expire in late June. Microsoft first warned users about the expiring certificates in November 2025.
Task Manager gains expanded NPU monitoring, displaying neural engines integrated into the GPU on the Performance page. Dev Drive creation now accepts drive sizes in gigabytes instead of only megabytes.
Windows Search can find files using as few as two characters. Clipboard history opens faster.
Task Scheduler remembers column width adjustments across sessions.
Because KB5089573 is an optional preview update. Users need to install it manually through Windows Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, or enable the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" toggle for automatic delivery. The changes will roll into next month's Patch Tuesday for everyone else.
