Microsoft has released the new optional Windows 11 preview update KB5089573 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, bringing systems to OS Builds 26100.8524 and 26200.8524. While this is technically a preview cumulative update ahead of June 2026 Patch Tuesday, it includes several meaningful upgrades focused on performance, AI hardware monitoring, audio sharing, Windows Hello responsiveness, and webcam improvements.
The update shows Microsoft continuing to optimize Windows 11 for modern AI-powered PCs, especially Copilot+ devices equipped with NPUs and newer Snapdragon, Intel, and AMD AI processors.
Users can install KB5089573 manually through Windows Update by enabling “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
Major Performance Improvements in KB5089573
Performance appears to be one of the biggest priorities in this release. Microsoft has introduced several under-the-hood optimizations designed to make Windows 11 feel more responsive during everyday use.
According to reports and Microsoft’s release notes, KB5089573 improves responsiveness across core Windows shell components including:
- Start menu
- Windows Search
- Quick Settings
- Action Center
- Task switching
- App launching
Microsoft is reportedly using a new low-latency optimization profile that temporarily prioritizes CPU resources for important foreground Windows experiences. This helps reduce lag and improve the feeling of speed when interacting with the operating system.
Users on newer hardware may especially notice:
- Faster wake times
- Reduced animation stutter
- Improved multitasking responsiveness
- Smoother UI transitions
- Faster app initialization
These changes are particularly important because Microsoft has received criticism over Windows 11 performance consistency on lower-end and mid-range systems. KB5089573 appears to directly target those concerns.
The update also contains multiple stability fixes for File Explorer, system services, and networking components that should help reduce freezes and intermittent slowdowns.
Task Manager Gets New AI and NPU Monitoring Features
One of the standout additions in KB5089573 is the expansion of Task Manager for AI-powered PCs.
As NPUs (Neural Processing Units) become more common in modern laptops and desktops, Microsoft is now integrating detailed AI hardware monitoring directly into Task Manager.
After installing the update, supported systems can now display:
- Real-time NPU usage
- Dedicated NPU memory
- Shared NPU memory
- Neural engine workload activity
- AI accelerator performance metrics
This is a major step toward making Windows 11 more AI-aware at the system level.
Much like GPU monitoring was added years ago when graphics acceleration became mainstream, Microsoft is now preparing Task Manager for the AI era. Developers, power users, and creators will now have better visibility into how AI workloads affect system resources.
The new Task Manager functionality is especially relevant for:
- Copilot+ PCs
- Snapdragon X Elite systems
- Intel AI PCs
- AMD Ryzen AI devices
These monitoring tools could become increasingly important as Windows begins relying more heavily on local AI processing for Copilot, Recall, Studio Effects, live translations, image generation, and productivity features.
Shared Audio Feature Finally Arrives
KB5089573 also introduces a new Shared Audio feature powered by Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast support.
This allows a Windows 11 PC to stream audio to two compatible Bluetooth audio devices at the same time.
For example:
- Two people can watch a movie together using separate earbuds
- Multiple users can listen to music simultaneously
- Shared gaming audio becomes easier without speakers
The feature works through Quick Settings and uses newer Bluetooth LE Audio technology for lower latency and improved efficiency.
This is one of the most consumer-friendly additions in the update and could become especially popular among laptop and tablet users.
However, users will need compatible Bluetooth LE Audio headphones or earbuds to use the feature properly.
Windows Hello Improvements Make Sign-ins Faster
Microsoft is also improving the Windows Hello experience with KB5089573.
The update reduces latency when waking devices from Modern Standby, allowing face recognition and fingerprint authentication to respond faster after sleep.
Users on supported laptops should notice:
- Faster facial recognition activation
- Quicker fingerprint detection
- Reduced delays after opening the lid
- Smoother sign-in transitions
Windows Hello has become one of the core security and convenience features of Windows 11, and Microsoft appears focused on making the experience feel more seamless and immediate.
This optimization is especially useful for ultraportables and AI PCs that frequently rely on connected standby modes.
Camera and Webcam Enhancements
Another major area of improvement is camera functionality.
KB5089573 introduces advanced webcam configuration capabilities, including support for multi-app camera streaming.
This means multiple apps can now access the same webcam feed simultaneously in supported scenarios.
For example:
- A webcam can be used in both OBS and Microsoft Teams at the same time
- Streamers can share camera feeds across applications
- Productivity workflows become more flexible
Microsoft has also improved camera stability and compatibility for modern conferencing setups.
These upgrades are likely aimed at hybrid workers, streamers, educators, and creators who increasingly depend on advanced webcam workflows.
Accessibility Improvements Continue
Microsoft continues investing heavily in accessibility, and KB5089573 includes several notable upgrades.
Magnifier now:
- Provides clearer announcements with screen readers
- Supports magnification for certain protected content
- Improves lens mode movement smoothness
These improvements help make Windows 11 more accessible for visually impaired users and improve overall navigation consistency.
Known Issues and Rollout Information
Microsoft says the update is rolling out gradually, meaning not all users will receive every feature immediately.
The company has also warned users about:
- Secure Boot certificate expiration changes
- Potential EFI partition installation issues
- Some phased feature rollouts requiring additional updates
Since KB5089573 is a preview update, cautious users may prefer waiting for the finalized June 2026 Patch Tuesday release.
Download link
You can download and manually install Windows 11 update KB5089573 by clicking here. If you need help in understanding how to install these updates manually on your PC, you can refer to our step-by-step noob-friendly tutorial.
Final Thoughts
KB5089573 may technically be an optional preview update, but it delivers some important improvements that hint at Microsoft’s larger Windows 11 strategy for 2026.
Performance optimization, AI hardware integration, faster authentication, smarter audio sharing, and advanced webcam capabilities are all becoming central parts of the Windows experience.
The update also shows Microsoft preparing Windows 11 for a future where AI acceleration and NPUs are as important as CPUs and GPUs.
For users with modern hardware — especially Copilot+ PCs — KB5089573 is one of the more meaningful preview updates Microsoft has released in recent months.
Stay tuned to WinCentral for all latest news about Windows 11 and keep reading our full coverage here.
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