Windows 11 KB5006746 update fixes gaming performance issues

Microsoft has released the optional KB5006746 cumulative update preview for Windows 11, fixing sixty-four issues, including AMD CPU performance and gaming issues.

This cumulative update preview is part of Microsoft's scheduled October 2021 monthly "C" updates, allowing Windows 11 users to test the upcoming fixes being released on September 9th as part of Patch Tuesday.

Unlike the Patch Tuesday updates, schedule "C" updates are optional and only contain bug fixes and performance improvements but no security updates.

To install this update, you need to go to Settings > Windows Update and manually 'Check for updates.' As this is an optional update, Windows will not install it until you click on the 'Download now' button, as shown below.

Windows 11 users can also manually download and install the KB5006746 preview update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Gaming performance issues fixed

This update fixes numerous issues with gaming performance in Windows 11.

Since Windows 11's release, users have been complaining of noticeable performance issues with AMD Ryzen CPUs.

In a support article published by AMD, it was explained that these issues are caused by "L3 cache latency may increase for some applications" and "UEFI CPPC2 ("preferred core") may not preferentially schedule threads on a processor's fastest core."

"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)," explains the release notes for today's update.

With the KB5006746 update, Microsoft has also fixed an issue causing Bluetooth mice and keyboards to be slower than expected, which can adversely affect shooters and eSports games.

Finally, Microsoft fixed an issue preventing users from using the Xbox Game Bar recording features.

What's new in the Windows 10 KB5006746 update

After installing the KB5006746 update, Windows 11 will have its build number changed to 22000.282

The Windows 10 KB5006746  cumulative update preview includes 64 improvements or fixes, with the thirteen highlighted changes listed below:

• Updates an issue that causes Internet Explorer to stop working when you type certain characters in the Input Method Editor (IME).
• Updates an issue that occurs when you try to rename a file in File Explorer using the new Japanese IME.
• Updates an issue that might distort the sound captured by voice assistants. 
• Updates an issue that sometimes causes your lock screen background to appear black if you have set up a slideshow of pictures as your lock screen background. 
• Updates an issue that might cause your Bluetooth mice and keyboards to respond slower than expected.  
• Improves the time estimate for how long you might wait to use your device after it restarts.
• Updates an issue that might prevent you from using the Xbox Game Bar recording features.
• Updates an issue that causes some applications to run slower than usual after you upgrade to Windows 11 (original release).
• Updates an issue that prevents Narrator and other screen readers from announcing when the Start menu is open in certain cases.
• Updates an issue in that prevents the search window from appearing on a secondary monitor.
• Updates an issue that prevents you from opening multiple instances of an app using Shift and clicking on the app’s icon in the taskbar.
• Updates the visual design and animations of the Chat icon on the taskbar.
• Updates an issue for a small number of users that prevents the Start menu from working and prevents you from seeing the updated taskbar after upgrading to Windows 11 (original release).

You can find a complete list of improves and fixes and detailed explanations of the known issues in the KB5006746 support bulletin.

Windows 11 KB5006746 update fixes gaming performance issues