Microsoft has just rolled out a new Windows update designed to enhance gaming performance on the latest AMD CPUs, and to a lesser extent, Intel CPUs, without requiring users to upgrade to an entirely new preview build of Windows. This update follows reports that Windows 11’s thread director was hindering frame rates on AMD CPUs, with a fix planned for the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. However, you can now apply this AMD-focused update to your existing Windows 11 23H2 installation.
Although AMD’s new Ryzen 9000 CPUs weren’t expected to dethrone the Ryzen 7 7800X3D as the top gaming CPU, initial tests showed that the new CPUs underperformed in gaming. It was discovered that updating to the Windows 24H2 preview build significantly boosted performance on these chips.
For example, in Gears 5, the new AMD Ryzen 7 9700X saw a remarkable 35% performance increase, with its average frame rate jumping from 188fps on Windows 11 23H2 to 254fps in the 24H2 build. However, since Windows 11 24H2 is currently a preview build, it requires users to sign up for the Windows Insider Program, which might be intimidating for those who prefer a stable system.
Fortunately, this new optional Windows update can be applied directly to your existing Windows 11 23H2 build. It includes branch prediction optimizations for AMD’s new CPUs, which enhance the chip’s ability to predict the next instructions in line. Based on results from Hardware Unboxed using the Windows 11 24H2 preview build, this update should also boost performance on AMD 7000-series CPUs and Intel CPUs.
To install the update, simply run Windows Update by typing “update” in the Start menu search bar and clicking the circular arrows to check for updates. The update, titled Cumulative Update Preview KB5041587, should appear in the main update section. If it doesn’t, check under Optional updates in the Additional options menu.
Since this is technically still a preview update, you’ll need to accept Microsoft’s warning before installing it. Once installed, you should experience improved gaming performance on your CPU with your current Windows 11 23H2 build.
For more details on AMD’s latest CPUs, check out our AMD Zen 5 guide, which covers all the specs of the new chips.
