AMD releases patch and Microsoft releases KB5006746 update to fix Windows 11 performance issues
One of the known issues with Windows 11 is reduced performance on some AMD systems, notably Ryzen chips. When Microsoft later released the KB5006674 update, things got even worse for some people.
But with the release of a new insider build last week, Microsoft addressed one of the problems, helping to get performance back to expected levels. Now not only has the company released this as the KB5006746 update for all Windows 11 users, but AMD has issued a patch of its own to fix the second of two performance problems.
See also:
- Microsoft bringing a new Find My Mouse tool and more mouse utilities to PowerToys
- Windows 11 has a handy God Mode for power users
- KB5006670 is the latest Window update to cause printer problems
It has been known for a little while that both AMD and Microsoft were working on patches for two separate problems that were impacting on Windows 11 performance. With the KB5006746 update, Microsoft addresses an issue that led to an increase in L3 cache latency.
In the release notes for the update, Microsoft says:
Addresses an L3 caching issue that might affect performance in some applications on devices that have AMD Ryzen processors after upgrading to Windows 11 (original release).
The non-security update also fixes a number of other issues, and a full list can be seen here.
AMD's patch addresses a second issue: "UEFI CPPC2 (“preferred core”) may not preferentially schedule threads on a processor’s fastest core".
The fix takes the form of a driver update, and the company says:
- An AMD Chipset Driver package is now available to address this issue under version 3.10.08.506.
- Systems with this update applied will report AMD Chipset Software 3.10.08.506 (or newer) within the Apps & Features interface of Windows 11.
- In addition:
- For AMD processors with the "Zen 3" architecture: Systems configured with AMD Chipset Driver 3.10.08.506 (or newer) should report version 7.0.3.5 (or newer) for the AMD.Power.Processor.Settings entry in the Windows 11 Provisioning Packages interface.
- For AMD processors with the "Zen+" or "Zen 2" architectures: Systems configured with AMD Chipset Driver 3.10.08.506 (or newer) should have the AMD Ryzen Balanced power plan selected and active in the Control Panel > Power Options interface.
Image credit: IB Photography / Shutterstock