How to Boost AMD CPU Performance for Gaming on Windows 11
This probably doesn't come as too much of a surprise, but Microsoft has been robbing some AMD CPU users of up to 11% of their potential performance with poorly optimised Windows 11 systems. Thankfully this has been addressed recently though the changes are still rolling out gradually. So if you want to get them early this guide will show you the steps you need to take.
How to Boost AMD CPU Performance for Gaming on Windows 11
If your computer is running Windows 11, there are two options to enhance gaming performance: install the latest preview of the September 2024 Patch Tuesday Update for version 23H2, or perform an early upgrade to Windows 11 24H2. If you decide to opt into the Windows Insider Program just be aware that you can't simply opt out and it will require you to do a clean installation of Windows. So while this update might sound great future updates might cause problems... Insider Builds are really random like that.
Install Update KB5041587 on Windows 11 23H2 (Preview)
If you are still using version 22H2, first upgrade to version 23H2, then download and install the latest system update.
To install the Windows 11 update KB5041587, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on Windows 11.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Toggle the Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available switch to download update KB5041587.
- Click the Check for updates button.
- Click the Download and Install option to apply a preview (if applicable).
- Click the Restart Now button.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the preview for update KB5041587 will automatically download and install on Windows 11 23H2.
Other methods to manually download and install Windows 11 updates include using the Microsoft Update Catalog website, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and more.
Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 (Preview)
Windows 11 24H2 is anticipated to launch in September or October. If you prefer not to wait, you can perform an in-place upgrade to the preview version of this feature update, which is nearly complete. However, creating a backup of your computer before proceeding is advised, in case a rollback is needed.
To upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 early you'll need to do the following.
- Open Settings on Windows 11.
- Click on Windows Update, then click on the Windows Insider Program page.
- Here click the Get started button followed by the Link an account button.
- After that sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Under the Pick your Insider settings section, choose the Release Preview Channel option. Then follow the steps to confirm the changes and accept the new terms agreement.
- Click the Continue button again to accept the terms and conditions then restart when requested.
- After restarting, open Settings again.
- Click on Windows Update then Check for updates.
- Click the Download & install button to download the latest preview of Windows 11 24H2.
- Finally, restart your computer and you should be getting a nice boost.
It Turns out that Windows has been AMD Users of Performance for quite a While Now!
AMD has acknowledged that Ryzen 9000 (Zen 5) series processors encounter performance issues on Windows 11. This issue also affects Ryzen 7000 series (Zen 4) processors. Thankfully! Updating to the latest version, 24H2, can claw back up up to 11% more performance. Though we're still waiting for that update to hit general release.
AMD said that this problem will be resolved with the release of Windows 11 24H2. You've probably already seen the testing videos on YouTube from Hardware Unboxed showing that this feature update boosts performance by up to 11 per cent. This guide will walk you through the steps to update or upgrade your AMD Ryzen (7950X, 7900X, 5950X, 5900X, 7800X3D, 7700X, or 7600X) computer to boost gaming performance on Windows 11. Just remember opting into things early does have some risks, so while they claim you can get an 11% boost there's probably some hidden catch somewhere ready to rob you of something else.