Microsoft has released a significant update for Windows 11 that brings performance improvements for AMD CPUs and several new features to enhance user experience.
AMD CPU Performance Boost
The latest Windows 11 update (KB5041587) addresses a long-standing issue that was holding back gaming performance on AMD Ryzen CPUs. Previously, this fix was only available in the preview build of Windows 11 24H2, but now users can apply it to their existing Windows 11 23H2 installation.
Key points:
- The update optimizes branch prediction for AMD's new CPUs
- Gaming performance improvements of up to 35% have been observed in some titles
- Benefits are expected for AMD 7000-series CPUs and potentially Intel CPUs as well
New Features and Improvements
In addition to the AMD performance boost, the update introduces several new features:
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Android File Sharing: A new, faster method to exchange files between Windows PCs and Android devices using Microsoft's Phone Link app.
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Enhanced Voice Access: Improvements to voice dictation speed and text editing options.
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Narrator Performance: Faster text scanning capabilities for the Windows Narrator tool.
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File Explorer Bug Fixes: Resolves issues related to search, keyboard focus, and screen reader functionality.
How to Get the Update
To install the update:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Look for Cumulative Update Preview KB5041587
Note that this is an optional update, so users may need to manually approve its installation.
While these improvements are significant, it's important to note that the update is still considered a preview. Users should be aware of potential risks associated with installing preview updates on their systems.
As Microsoft continues to refine Windows 11, this update demonstrates their commitment to addressing performance issues and enhancing the overall user experience across various hardware configurations.