The Latest Windows 11 Feature Update
Microsoft has rolled out a new optional update for Windows 11, identified as KB5041587. Though it appears as a regular update in the changelog, AMD confirmed that it includes a significant performance patch aimed at improving the efficiency of AMD silicon, specifically affecting the new Ryzen 9000 processors. This patch is also backported to Windows 11 version 23H2, and users can install it as detailed below.
How to Install the Optional Update
To install the KB5041587 update, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and select the Settings app.
- Navigate to Windows Update.
- Click on the ‘Check for updates’ button.
- Click the ‘Download and/or install’ button next to KB5041587.
A restart will be necessary to complete the installation process. However, a word of caution: as this is an optional update, it functions akin to a beta release. Most users may choose to keep this update off their systems until the improved performance patch is incorporated into the cumulative update due on September 10th, 2024.
Expected Performance Gains
AMD aims to enhance performance, particularly for their latest Ryzen 9000 processors with initial benchmarks showing up to a 13% improvement in some applications and games. Older AMD processors will also benefit, though to a lesser extent. Testing by Hardware Unboxed revealed about a 10% improvement in performance on the Zen 4-based Ryzen 7 7700X processor, and an 11% increase on the new Ryzen 7 9700X processor, albeit under moderate settings at 1080p resolution.
Closing Words
Devices running Windows 11 version 23H2 with AMD processors certainly profit from the latest update. The performance patch will also be automatically included in the upcoming Windows 11 feature update. Microsoft has yet to disclose the exact release date for this update. Do you use Intel, ARM, or AMD processors in your devices? What is your opinion on this performance patch? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.