Performance Enhancements
Windows Latest has recently uncovered a support document from Microsoft that highlights a significant enhancement to the Windows App SDK: the introduction of native Ahead of Time (AOT) support. This development promises to deliver substantial improvements in the launch times of applications designed for Windows 11.
According to Microsoft’s internal testing, the implementation of AOT has yielded impressive results, showcasing a remarkable 50% reduction in application start times and an approximate eightfold decrease in package size. The Windows App SDK serves as a bridge for developers, enabling them to leverage classic desktop app frameworks while accessing modern APIs compatible across various Windows devices.
Despite its potential, applications built using the SDK—whether they originate from Microsoft or third-party developers—have been criticized for their sluggish launch times. Users have often encountered frustrating delays, lagging animations, and unresponsive interfaces. A notable example is the Windows Photos app, which has been so slow to launch that Microsoft resorted to running it in the background as a temporary fix.
The introduction of native AOT support aims to address these performance issues. By compiling applications to native code in advance, AOT allows the system to bypass the translation process that typically occurs when an app is executed. This streamlined approach reduces the workload, resulting in quicker startup times and smaller memory footprints for applications.
In its announcement, Microsoft characterized this enhancement as an “incredible performance boost.” However, the true effectiveness of AOT will only be revealed over time, as developers must update their applications to harness this new capability. The pace at which different developers adopt these changes may vary, and the performance gains are likely to differ from one application to another.
While Microsoft presents this update as an exciting innovation, it is essential to recognize that the current performance of Windows 11 apps leaves much to be desired. Users should not expect an immediate transformation in speed, as improvements will unfold gradually as developers integrate AOT into their applications.
