Microsoft updates Windows 11 with AI memory and NPU monitoring

Microsoft is introducing several updates to Windows 11 aimed at improving hardware transparency and resource management for AI and graphics. A key development is the discovery of a hidden feature called ‘IntelligentCarveout’ in recent preview builds. This function is designed to allow users to manage unified memory by reserving specific amounts of RAM for AI accelerators and graphics tasks, a move that aligns Windows with architectures used by Apple, NVIDIA, and AMD.

Additionally, the Windows Task Manager is being expanded to provide more granular data regarding Neural Processing Unit (NPU) usage. New optional columns will allow developers, IT professionals, and users to monitor NPU utilization, NPU engine details, and both dedicated and shared NPU memory at the process level. This enhancement aims to provide better visibility into how AI workloads are being distributed across the CPU, GPU, and NPU.

To improve daily usability, Microsoft is also addressing performance issues within File Explorer and the right-click context menu. Efforts are being made to reduce system freezes and lag during common tasks, such as renaming files or navigating folders, by optimizing background processes and synchronization.