Drupal 11.3 – Performance boost with recent upgrade
The new Drupal version 11.3 has been released and brings the biggest performance update in over a decade. For many websites, this means significantly faster loading times, more efficient server utilisation and noticeable improvements for editors, end users and developers.
Drupal 11.3 – Performance boost with recent upgrade
The new Drupal version 11.3 has been released and brings the biggest performance update in over a decade. For many websites, this means significantly faster loading times, more efficient server utilisation and noticeable improvements for editors, end users and developers.
What changes with Drupal 11.3?
With this release, Drupal is placing a clear focus on performance: Drupal Core has been optimised in key areas so that websites can handle 26–33 per cent more requests with the same infrastructure. At the same time, the native integration of HTMX significantly reduces JavaScript overhead and ensures a faster, more interactive user experience.
Important improvements at a glance
The new upgrade also brings numerous other innovations. We have compiled the most important updates for you:
Maximum performance in the core
The core functions of Drupal have been revised to minimise database and cache operations at all levels. This results in significant speed gains of up to 33% on pages with complex structures.
Native HTMX support
HTMX is now natively integrated into Drupal, enabling lean, interactive interfaces without a heavy JavaScript stack. This significantly reduces the amount of JavaScript delivered – test results show up to 71% less JavaScript load for corresponding components.
New stable navigation
The navigation module is now more stable and is gradually replacing the old toolbar. This improves usability for editors and administrators, especially on large sites with many menus.
Improved content workflow
The CKEditor has been further developed: content can be linked more easily thanks to new autocomplete options, lists and formatting are more intuitive to use, and new permissions make it easier to control publications.
Modern features in development
Developers can now benefit from object-oriented hooks in the theme system and new tools such as native content export. Full support for PHP 8.5 also paves the way for future versions of Drupal.
The new Drupal upgrade 11.3 is also a topic in the Talking Drupal Podcast. Watch the video about the Upgrade here on YouTube.
Why this update is so important
The new Drupal upgrade shows that improvements to existing structures sometimes have a greater impact than a multitude of new features. Focusing on the essentials and creating real change – that's what has now happened with Drupal 11.3.
Drupal 11 sites using 11.3 can handle more page visits than before with the same server configuration. This reduces hosting costs, improves Core Web Vitals and creates a better overall user experience. The combination of core optimisations and modern front-end technology takes Drupal to a new level in terms of performance.