Microsoft adds accelerated app launch feature to Windows 11 preview build
A new Windows 11 update speeds up Microsoft Edge launches. The feature routes requests to running instances, reducing wait times for users.
Key points
- Microsoft is testing accelerated app launches in the Windows 11 Release Preview channel.
- The feature currently applies only to Microsoft Edge when the browser is already running.
- The company plans to expand this capability to other Windows 11 applications in the future.
Microsoft has introduced a performance enhancement in the latest Windows 11 preview build that accelerates the launch speed of specific applications. According to a report by TechRadar, the update currently targets Microsoft Edge, allowing the browser to open more quickly when it is already active in the background. This change marks the initial phase of a broader effort to improve application startup times across the operating system.
Windows Latest identified the change in the Release Preview channel, which serves as the final testing stage before general availability. The update modifies how the operating system handles requests to open Edge when the browser is already running. Instead of initiating a separate, temporary process for each new window or link, Windows now directs the request straight to the existing instance. This streamlined path significantly reduces the time required for the application to appear on screen.
Context and Background
Microsoft stated that this routing change eliminates the overhead of starting extra processes for warm launches. The company explains that when a user selects a link or opens Edge from the taskbar while the browser is active, the system bypasses the traditional startup sequence. This approach ensures that subsequent instances of the application load considerably faster than they would under previous versions of the operating system.
The performance gain is most noticeable after the first use of the browser during a session. Windows Latest verified that the initial cold start remains slower, as the system must spin up the necessary processes from scratch. However, even if a user closes the browser after this first launch, the relevant background processes remain active. Consequently, reopening Edge keeps the application in a warm state, preserving the accelerated launch speed for future uses.
Who Is Affected
The immediate impact of this update is limited to users of the Windows 11 Release Preview channel who utilize Microsoft Edge. While the feature provides a measurable speed boost for this specific browser, it does not yet apply to other software. Microsoft has indicated that this is a foundational step toward a wider Windows capability. The company intends to make this acceleration feature available for any application to adopt, potentially benefiting a broad range of software in the future.
This development builds on Microsoft's previous work in optimizing Windows 11 performance. The company has previously introduced preloading features for apps like File Explorer and Edge. Additionally, the Low Latency Profile feature has been implemented to provide CPU speed boosts for system menus and applications. The new accelerated launch mechanism represents another layer in these ongoing efforts to reduce input latency and improve overall system responsiveness for users.
What should you do?
Users interested in testing this feature must enroll in the Windows 11 Release Preview channel. This is the final stage of testing, meaning the build is relatively stable but still subject to changes before general release. Users should verify that they have the latest build installed to ensure they receive the accelerated app launch functionality for Microsoft Edge. Those who do not use Edge will not see any immediate performance changes from this specific update.
What to do and how to stay safe: Windows 11
- Check your Windows 11 Insider settings to ensure you are enrolled in the Release Preview channel.
- Update your system to the latest available build to access the new performance features.
- Monitor your application launch times, particularly for Microsoft Edge, to observe the changes.
- Wait for official announcements before expecting this feature in other third-party applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this speed boost apply to all Windows 11 apps?
No, the feature currently applies only to Microsoft Edge in the preview build. Microsoft plans to expand it to other apps later.
How does the accelerated launch work?
Windows routes requests directly to the running instance of Edge instead of starting a new temporary process.
Is this feature available in the stable version of Windows 11?
No, it is currently only available in the Release Preview channel for Windows 11 Insider users.
